Author: chris

Discuss concepts and ideas from process improvement and lean thinking.

Productivity and Process Improvement

In this Session Long Project you will be able to use your creativity. You will choose a specific type of non-manufacturing business from the list below. You will use this business type and create your own organization around it. In each SLP module you will create issues about the specific Operations Management topic and discuss these issues and how you would solve them.

NOTE: When choosing your business, you need to consider that it will meet the criteria for ALL SLP assignments.

It must use inventories (Module 2), requires some effort to achieve quality (Module 3), and have the ability to expand its capacity (Module 4).

Session Long Project

Choose one of the following types of service organizations: hospital, car repair, computer repair, generic family restaurant, generic convenience store (could be a franchised store), or another organization type with Instructor Approval.

Create/Invent a company of this type. Be creative. Make this company real. Generate some numbers that specify the productivity.

Identify several key processes in a process flow diagram. (To see an example of a process flow diagram, see Section C: Plasti-Brack Information, Figure 2.)

  • Identify and discuss at least three productivity issues that this company faces. Include the various productivity ratios that would be calculated. Generate some numbers indicating the current level of productivity.
  • Identify and discuss how this company would deal with improving its productivity.
  • Discuss the key processes and how these processes would be analyzed.
  • What are some ways the processes could be improved?
  • Discuss concepts and ideas from process improvement and lean thinking.

This paper should be approximately 3–5 five pages in length counting the introduction, body, and summary. You should include references and cite them properly in the paper. Generally, at least three references should be used. Find references about productivity in your type of business. Use ProQuest. Also check IBISWorld available through the TUI library.

INVENTING YOUR COMPANY FOR THE SLP

The SLP project in this course requires that you INVENT your own non-manufacturing company. This is your company, so be inventive and creative. USE YOUR IMAGINATION!

First, make sure that it follows the guidelines specified in SLP1 – it should have some type of inventories so that you can do SLP2.

The most important aspect of inventing your company is determining the key PROCESSES. What is the work being done to provide your services to your customers? What are the repetitive processes of obtaining the materials, supplies, etc., and moving them through the company via processes to generate the outputs?

Also, consider that the business does not have to be a new startup. It works better if you invent a company that has been in business for a while. You should generate some numbers for your business. You can’t operate a business without doing the numbers. How big is it? How many customers, how many employees, what is the sales volume, what are the costs, etc. If you spend time early in SLP1 and invent the company with some numbers, you will find it easier as you move through the other SLPs.

SLP Assignment Expectations

  • First discuss some background about your company. You can give it a name. How big is the organization – people, size, etc.? What is its mission? Who are its customers?
  • Then identify at least one area of concern for productivity. Identify at least three productivity measures. While it is not required, if you want, you can also create some numbers and show the calculation of the productivity measures.
  • Identify the key processes. What are the steps involved in the processes? Do the processes interact?
  • What are some possible ways that these processes could be improved for productivity? Consider how you can produce more output and/or reduce the inputs, so that you can increase productivity.
  • What are some problems or issues that you might encounter as you attempt to change the processes? How could you overcome these problems/issues?

Differences in patterns of addiction in the context of gender and developmental issues.Discuss.

Annotated Bibliography

In this week, you will complete an annotated bibliography for a position paper that will be due in Week 5. For more information on the required format of the bibliography please click on annotated bibliography template. Choosing what area you would like to study in addictions begins with examining the following areas related to the course competencies:

  • Major psychological theories and principles in the field of addictions
  • Historical link to modern issues and trends in the field of addictions
  • Current and evolving trends in the field of addictions
  • Nature of geographic, social, cognitive, and emotional factors in the development, course, and duration of addictions
  • Differences in patterns of addiction in the context of gender and developmental issues
  • Illegal and legal substance use issues regarding physical, social, and psychological effects
  • Impact of treatment and prevention methods on the incidence, course, and duration of addictive behaviors

Use this as a guide when choosing research articles.

Note: This is a course on psychology. Therefore, the research should relate to addictions but from a psychological perspective and less on purely the medical issues related to the disorders and conditions.

Choose any three of the topics mentioned above. Using the South University Online Library database (ProQuest or EBSCOHOST), find two journal articles related to each of the topic areas chosen. You need to research articles located in scholarly journals. Scholarly journal articles are also referred as primary source peer reviewed articles. You should not use web pages, magazines, newspapers, textbooks, and other books for this assignment. Also, research articles that were published within the last five or six years.

Based on your research, create a 4- to 5-page document in Microsoft Word that includes:

  • A summary for each of the journal articles found.
  • An analysis and evaluation for each of the journal articles found.

Support your responses with examples.

Cite any sources in APA format.

Submission Details

Explain the scientific method and describe the overall manner in which you would apply it in your field of study or everyday life.

Physical Science

Applications of the Scientific Method

The scientific method is useful in problem solving and decision-making in a wide variety of fields. In this assignment, you will demonstrate how to use the scientific method to make decisions and solve problems in your field of study or everyday life.

 

Identify a specific problem often faced in your field of study or everyday life. Research your problem and assess your data / research. Examples of such problems could be:

 

  1. Business
    1. Developing a new product that is superior to competitor’s brands; or
    2. Establishing a price for a new product using the law of supply and demand;
  2. Information Systems and Technology
    1. The use of personal electronic devices for work purpose, or
    2. Determining in the most cost-effective computer for your business;
  3. Criminal Justice
    1. The reliability of eyewitness testimony, or
    2. Determining what evidence reveals to you about a crime;
  4. Everyday Life
    1. Selecting a particular brand of detergent, or
    2. Determining the most cost-efficient transportation / route for your commute.

 

Write a three to five (3-5) page paper in which you:

 

  1. Explain the scientific method and describe the overall manner in which you would apply it in your field of study or everyday life.
  2. Propose one (1) testable hypothesis to explain / solve the problem you have selected. State the expected outcomes of your actions and include criteria for determining whether or not these actions would succeed. Note: Your hypothesis should be stated very precisely.
  3. Describe the main actions that you intend to put into place to test the hypothesis that you proposed in Question 2. Describe the way in which you would evaluate the success of your program. Include the results that you would deem as a success and the results that would be considered a failure.
  4. Discuss the wisdom behind the strategy you would use to test the hypothesis from Question 3, and describe the additional steps you might take, depending on the results of your test. Note: These additional steps might be to revise your original hypothesis (if the results were unsatisfactory) or to propose new hypotheses. The goal is to continuously improve your understanding of the factors influencing your outcomes, to be able to achieve greater results over time.
  5. Use at least two (2) quality resources / references in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and personal blogs do not qualify as quality resources.

 

Your report 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.

 

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

 

  • Apply concepts in physical sciences to evaluate current trends and issues in the modern world.
  • Describe the physical processes influencing climate and weather.
  • Use technology and information resources to research issues in physical sciences.
  • Write clearly and concisely about physical sciences using proper writing mechanics.

 

Evaluate the organization’s facilities with regard to capacity and location.

In this assignment, you will develop an understanding of the supply chain. You will provide your assessment of a supply chain in the form of an evaluation. This assignment is the second of the two LASA assignments you will complete in this course.

Using the Argosy University online library resources and the Internet, research methods of evaluating supply chains. Select at least three (3) scholarly sources to support the information in your presentation.

Description of LASA:

In this assignment, you will evaluate a supply chain.

Scenario:

You are consulting for the same organization that you worked for in LASA 1. The organization has asked you to design a supply chain and implement a program to monitor its performance with respect to sustainability. They have also asked you to give recommendations for improving upon your plan as the organization grows. The chief executive officer (CEO) has asked you to present your design and recommendations in a PowerPoint presentation at a meeting with the executive management team.

Instructions:

Your presentation should include the following information:

  1. Evaluate the organization’s facilities with regard to capacity and location. Determine whether the organization has enough capacity and whether or not the facilities are strategically located.
  2. Conduct an inventory analysis of the firm.
    • Evaluate the firm’s ERP system.
    • Evaluate the firm’s inventory management systems.
    • Identify the firm’s inventory costs.
    • Determine the firm’s optimum order quantities.
    • Identify the firm’s seasonality adjustments and reorder points.
  3. Describe the systems used to monitor the performance of the suppliers.
    • Identify the key performance indicators (KPIs).
    • Describe the firm’s risk management strategies.
  4. Identify the firm’s conflict management strategies.
  5. Recommend strategies, tools, etc. the organization can use to improve or expand upon the supply chain in the future.
  6. Identify any potential ethical issues that could have a negative impact on the organization and make recommendations to address them.

In addition to the slides in the presentation, include a detailed outline in the speaker notes section explaining the content on each slide. Use at least three (3) scholarly sources to support the information in your presentation. Be sure to cite the sources for your information.

Make sure your presentation adheres to the following Presentation Guidelines:

  • Create a presentation that is professional and visually appealing.
  • Include a combination of text and graphics.
  • Do not write out your entire presentation on the slides. Use bullet points of keywords and short phrases instead of long sentences and paragraphs.
  • Create your presentation (slides and Speaker Notes) using language that can be easily understood by the intended audience.
  • Use APA formatting for your slides and Speaker Notes (outline).

How has the Truth-in-Sentencing Incentive Grant changed the way states sentence offenders?

Directions:  Be sure to make an electronic copy of your answer before submitting it to Ashworth College for grading.  Unless otherwise stated, answer in complete sentences, and be sure to use correct English spelling and grammar.  Sources must be cited in APA format.  Your response should be four (4) pages in length; refer to the “Assignment Format” page for specific format requirements.

In 1994, Congress passed the Truth-in-Sentencing Incentive Grants law. Discuss the law, using the following questions to guide your response.

 

  1. Define “truth-in-sentencing.”
  1. What was the Truth-in-Sentencing Incentive Grants law designed to accomplish?
  1. What other mandatory sentencing movements is truth-in-sentencing linked to?
  1. How has the Truth-in-Sentencing Incentive Grant changed the way states sentence offenders? Include a discussion of which states complied with the act.

 

Assignment 08

CJ380 Probation and Parole

Directions:  Be sure to make an electronic copy of your answer before submitting it to Ashworth College for grading.  Unless otherwise stated, answer in complete sentences, and be sure to use correct English spelling and grammar.  Sources must be cited in APA format.  Your response should be four (4) pages in length; refer to the “Assignment Format” page for specific format requirements.

 

Your textbook presents Morrissey v. Brewer, 408 U.S. 471 (1972), a U.S. Supreme Court case that impacted probation and parole. After reading this case, please do the following:

  1. Summarize the case, including salient facts and procedural posture (i.e., why is the Court hearing the case and what are the justices deciding);
  1. Discuss how the ruling affected probation and parole;
  1. Discuss how Morrissey impacted Gagnon v. Scarpelli, 411 U.S. 778 (1973) and other future cases of similar nature.

 

How does “political terrorism” differ from “state terrorism”?

Reading Assignments: 2 and 3

Module 2 Forum notes

Johnson, Chalmers, Revolutionary Change, 2d edition, (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1982).

Waltz, Kenneth, Man, The State and War, (New York: Columbia University Press, 2001).

Module 2 Forum (please create forum and add the paragraph below. Denise will add a topic later.)

Participate in Module 2 Forum by making at least two contributions of at least 125 words each in response to the forum question/topic. One of the contributions should be a response to the comments of another student.

Written Assignments:

Johnson Review: Discuss Chalmers Johnson, Revolutionary Change (about 1000+ words), considering especially the following:

Main Thesis: Summarize the main ideas of the book in one or two paragraphs totaling not more than 200-300 words. What is the author trying to demonstrate or assert? What does the author say are the larger reasons that support his or her thesis? What reasons does the author give for the need to adopt the thesis of the book? This should be a value-free summary, i.e., it does not evaluate how well the author makes their case and whether you are convinced by it.
Source Analysis: Give a general description of the author’s sources and how they are used. Are they current in respect to the publication date of the book? Do the opinions cited represent a wide range of views? If some sources or authors are not mentioned, does the author say why they have not used them?
Critique: How well does the author make the proposed/intended case? Describe how the overall argument is structured, along with its strengths and weaknesses. What levels of data and analysis are used? Does the author use his or her evidence responsibly? Are there inappropriate rhetorical devices or emotional appeals? Does the author give proper consideration to evidence that does not support the thesis?
Other Reviews: Summarize the evaluations of other notable reviewers for this book. Search the Virtual Library for published reviews.
Points to consider:
What is “revolution”?
What differentiates “revolution” from “rebellion”?
How is analyzing and modeling revolution different from analyzing international conflict?
How does “political terrorism” differ from “state terrorism”?
What ideas do you find particularly relevant to current or recent events?

Explain the following business structures: sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, and a corporation.

Multimedia activity: Business Organization

Visit the Choose Your Business Structure section of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s website.

If you were to start your own business, which business entity structure would you choose? Justify why your chosen structure is the best organizational form.

Explain the following business structures: sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, and a corporation. In your analysis address the following for each business structure:

  • Steps to form
  • Personal liability for owners
  • Taxation
  • Advantages and disadvantages

Your paper must be three to five pages (excluding title and reference pages), and it must be formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. You must cite at least two scholarly sources in addition to the course textbook. Cite your sources in-text and on the reference page. For information regarding APA samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing Center.

Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.

Examine how Lewin’s change model could be used to implement a change process within that organization.

Lewin’s Change Model

Identify Lewin’s three (3) stages of change implementation and explain the importance of each stage in a paper. Be sure to use the terminology for each stage of Lewin’s model as outlined in the text. You should then describe a change within an organization for which you have worked or are familiar. Examine how Lewin’s change model could be used to implement a change process within that organization.
Be sure to include at least two scholarly citations to support your writing. Your paper should be 3 pages long, well-written, and formatted according to University standards.
It is strongly encouraged that you submit all assignments to the Turnitin Originality Check.

Analyze how production and cost functions in the short run and long run affect the strategy of individual firms.

Assignment 1: Demand Estimation

Imagine that you work for the maker of a leading brand of low-calorie, frozen microwavable food that estimates the following demand equation for its product using data from 26 supermarkets around the country for the month of April.

Note: The following is a regression equation. Standard errors are in parentheses for the demand for widgets.

QD       =          – 5200 – 42P + 20PX + 5.2I + 0.20A + 0.25M

(2.002)  (17.5) (6.2)    (2.5)   (0.09)   (0.21)

R2 = 0.55           n = 26               F = 4.88

Your supervisor has asked you to compute the elasticities for each independent variable. Assume the following values for the independent variables:

Q          =          Quantity demanded of 3-pack units

P (in cents)       =          Price of the product = 500 cents per 3-pack unit

PX (in cents)     =          Price of leading competitor’s product = 600 cents per 3-pack unit

I (in dollars)       =          Per capita income of the standard metropolitan statistical area

(SMSA) in which the supermarkets are located = $5,500

A (in dollars)     =          Monthly advertising expenditures = $10,000

M                     =          Number of microwave ovens sold in the SMSA in which the

supermarkets are located = 5,000

 

Write a four to six (4-6) page paper in which you:

  1. Compute the elasticities for each independent variable. Note: Write down all of your calculations.
  2. Determine the implications for each of the computed elasticities for the business in terms of short-term and long-term pricing strategies. Provide a rationale in which you cite your results.
  3. Recommend whether you believe that this firm should or should not cut its price to increase its market share. Provide support for your recommendation.
  4. Assume that all the factors affecting demand in this model remain the same, but that the price has changed. Further assume that the price changes are 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 cents.
    1. Plot the demand curve for the firm.
    2. Plot the corresponding supply curve on the same graph using the following MC / supply function Q = -7909.89 + 79.1P with the same prices.
    3. Determine the equilibrium price and quantity.
    4. Outline the significant factors that could cause changes in supply and demand for the low-calorie, frozen microwavable food. Determine the primary manner in which both the short-term and the long-term changes in market conditions could impact the demand for, and the supply, of the product.
  5. Indicate the crucial factors that could cause rightward shifts and leftward shifts of the demand and supply curves for the low-calorie, frozen microwavable food.
  6. Use at least three (3) quality academic resources in this assignment. Note:Wikipedia does not qualify as an academic resource.

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.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

  • Analyze how production and cost functions in the short run and long run affect the strategy of individual firms.
  • Apply the concepts of supply and demand to determine the impact of changes in market conditions in the short run and long run, and the economic impact on a company’s operations.
  • Use technology and information resources to research issues in managerial economics and globalization.
  • Write clearly and concisely about managerial economics and globalization using proper writing mechanics.