Directions: Please answer each of the following questions and provide examples from the text, if applicable. Each response should be at least two paragraphs in length composed of five to seven sentences and be written in complete sentences.

1. Describe at least three software tools that can help you revise and polish a document.

A: Software tools such as revision marks and commenting keep track of proposed editing changes electronically and provide a history of a document’s revisions. A spell checker compares your document with an electronic dictionary, highlights unrecognized words, and suggests correct spellings. A computer thesaurus gives you alternative words much more quickly than a printed thesaurus does. A grammar checker provides limited help with issues such as noun-verb agreement problems and items you should consider changing (such as passive voice, long sentences, or words that tend to be misused or overused). Finally, a style checker monitors your word choice and sentence structure and suggests alternatives that might produce more effective meaning.

2. Briefly explain the difference between word processing software and desktop publishing software.

3. Briefly explain the difference between descriptive headings and informative headings.

4. Briefly explain what the opening of a document should accomplish.

5. List at least two examples of community participation websites, and briefly explain what these websites are designed to accomplish.

6. Describe four important issues to consider when distributing business messages.

7. What are seven guidelines to keep in mind when creating content for business-related social media?

8. Explain how inappropriate use of e-mail at work can lead to legal problems.

9. Explain how to apply the three-step writing process to instant messages.

10. Give at least three examples of how podcasts could replace more traditional message formats in business.

PART II

This week you learned about short messaging styles, such as those used in instant messaging and text messaging, and compared them to scholarly writing and business writing. It is known that language and writing evolves over time and there is a push by some English scholars to evolve the English language in such a way that text-type shortcuts are acceptable ways to write in U.S. English. Research and identify two sources that are behind this movement and write a position paper explaining whether you agree with that position or not. Be sure to back up your viewpoint with at least two scholarly sources and cite and reference in APA format. Your submitted paper should be at least four pages in length and in APA format.

PART III: Journal

Write a two page APA formatted paper in which you review the primary material you learned this week, describe at least two ways that you can apply the material, and source the original reference using APA format.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

In order to find effective solutions to world poverty, one must first understand its cause.

Thus, why are some countries rich while others are poor?  Is it merely luck or accident of history?  Is the source of the problem internal or external?

Week 1 Discussion 1

“Planning Database Design” Please respond to the following:

•The proper implementation of a database is essential to the success of the data performance functions of an organization.  Identify and evaluate at least three considerations that one must plan for when designing a database.

•Suggest at least two types of databases that would be useful for small businesses, two types for regional level organizations and two types for internationally wide companies. Include your rationale for each suggestion.

Week 1 Discussion 2

“Database Modeling” Please respond to the following:

•Following a data model is important in the planning of a database system.  Evaluate at least two classic models that are used in providing structure for database solutions.

•Compare and contrast the effectiveness of classic models and recently evolved models such as Big Data and NoSQL. Give your opinion on which type of model is more effective and why.

Week 2 Discussion 1

“Maintaining Data Integrity” Please respond to the following:

•Describe the importance of maintaining integrity rules throughout the database structure.  Create at least three examples of common relationships that are used within a relational database system.  Justify your response.

•Many times, database designs do not include the proper use of indexes. Provide a specific example on how an index could be used in order to enhance user search experience. List specific fields that you would index. Analyze what would occur if the proper index is not included, with respect to your example.

Week 3 Discussion 1

“The Entity Relationship Model” Please respond to the following:

•Defining relationships within a database can improve search capabilities and optimal performance of the database in the long run. Identify at least two relationship strength types that can be used within the entity relationship model.

•Using the classifications from part one of this discussion; provide a real word scenario that demonstrates each relationship strength classification.

Week 3 Discussion 2

“Preparing an Adequate Data Model” Please respond to the following:

•Using specialization hierarchies can provide an efficient application development structure. Justify the use of surrogate primary keys for a database design. Provide an example to support your response.

•Historical data can be important to measuring performance. Prepare an example on how time-variant data can be properly captured and maintained within a database system.

1. Please describe the difference between the substance and form of financial statements. Give an example of each.

2. Explain the importance of accrual accounting and proper application of the matching principle for the computation of contribution margins and break-even points

3. Describe the two networking techniques that you plan to use throughout this course. Why is networking important?

1. Strategic planning involves adapting the resources of the firm to the opportunities and threats of an ever-changing retail environment (Dunne and Lusch). What, in your opinion, makes strategic planning such a crucial aspect to retail management?

2. As a store manager, what strategies would you take to entice customers into your store to shop and buy? How is consumer behavior applied to retail management?
3. In many states, gas stations are offering lower gas prices per gallon for those who pay by cash rather than by credit card. Why do you feel more and more companies are offering these types of deals and how does it affect your spending habits?

4. Describe and give an example as to why dependency, power, and conflict can influence supply chain relations for retailers.

1. Explain why a strategy cannot be considered ethical just because it involves actions that are legal.  Provide an example to support your position.

2. The author states that a company that pursues and achieves strategic outcomes that boost its competitiveness and strength in the marketplace is in much better position to improve its future financial performance. Do you agree? Explain.
3. Describe why successful low-cost leaders are exceptionally good at finding ways to drive costs out of their businesses.
4. The author states that business leaders who want their companies to be regarded as exemplary corporate citizens must not only see that their companies operate ethically, but they must personally display a social conscience in making decisions that affect employees, the environment, the communities in which they operate, and society at large. Why is this important?

1. Consumer behavior can be defined as products and services that consumers select, purchase, use, and dispose of to satisfy personal needs and wants. As a consumer, think about a product and a service that you purchase. Why do you feel these purchases are a necessity?

2. Experts state that consumer behavior and marketing go hand-in-hand. Do you agree that consumer behavior is essential to an organization’s marketing plan? Explain.

3. In today’s economy, one might see various brand names on the store shelves right next to the generic store brand. As a consumer, do you feel that it is necessary to stick to the brand name items or do you find that you are happy to purchase the cheaper generic brand? Explain.

Discuss how scientific inquiry tries to avoid the common pitfalls that produce error in nonscientific inquiry.  Define variable and attribute.  Name three sociological variables and their attributes.