Articles

Two-part assignment – All parts must be at least 300 words unless otherwise noted. Please read all attachments and follow ALL instructions.

Part 1: Relevant Costs

Two partners own together a small landscaping business in North Carolina, called Summer Lawn Care. They have been specializing in summer grass seeding, installation, and maintenance. Recently, the partners acquired special technology and know-how for winter grass installations and maintenance. They also added a tree cutting service as recent storms in the area had caused demand for this service to soar. One of the partners insists that the name of the business should change to Lawn and Tree Care, so that it better reflects the range of services and, thus, generates more customer interest, and thus contracts. The second partner wants to keep the old name and argues, “We have already paid for business cards, vehicle paint, signage, and ads in Yellow Pages”.  Evaluate the arguments of the two partners. Explain and illustrate their points by identifying the relevant and irrelevant costs for this decision.

Guided Response: In 300 words or more, please, provide your response to the above discussion question. Identify all the costs in the decision process, including explicit costs, implicit costs and sunk costs. 

Part 2: Contribution Analysis

Explain what is meant by “contribution analysis”. Carefully define the term and provide examples to illustrate it.
 

Guided Response: Can you think of a recent example where you had to evaluate the incremental costs and benefits of different options in order to make a decision? In 300 words or more, please, provide your response to the above discussion question. 

Required Resources

Text

Please read the following chapters in: Managerial Economics:

Douglas, E. (2012). Managerial Economics (1st ed.) [Electronic version]. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/

· Chapter 5: Production and Cost Analysis

· Chapter 6: Managerial Cost Analysis and Estimation

Recommended Resources

Multimedia

· Apple May Be Exploring Switch From Intel Chips: Video – Bloomberg (n.d.). Bloomberg. Retrieved from http://www.bloomberg.com/video/apple-may-be-exploring-switch-from-intel-chips-FWEGen9nSPmHuFYUpXJVtQ.html

Websites

· Bloomberg (http://www.bloomberg.com)

· Cable News Network (http://www.cnn.com)

· The Economist (http://www.economist.com)  

 

The 1970s and 1980s brought remarkable changes for the Untied States. The Cold War between the US and its allies versus the Soviet Union and its allies/clients was still the dominant international issue. China was also going to start emerging as a major world power. Nixon was dealing with Vietnam and then Watergate—one of the pivotal scandals of modern history. Reagan would bring a new national spirit, and he would tackle economic problems by deregulation and moderating taxes—and he would be dealing with a very new type of Soviet leadership.

Discuss lessons in leadership with the examples of President Nixon and President Reagan:

Choose and discuss (in a full paragraph or two) one of the following two topics to the 1960s and 1970s, especially to the terms of Presidents Nixon and Reagan.

1. Discuss lessons in leadership with the examples of President Nixon and President Reagan:
   • Identify a leadership example from President Nixon’s handling of the Watergate issue, and another example from Reagan’s presidency.
   • Give two lessons in leadership—one from each example. They can be positive lessons or negative lessons (good things to do; things not to do, etc). Discuss how these lessons can apply to those in business or politics or some other realm.
   • Identify the source(s) where you read about these issues.
2. Discuss Presidents Nixon and Reagan as Cold Warriors:
   • Identify a strategy or policy from the Nixon presidency that to the Cold War, and another from the Reagan presidency.
   • In hindsight, describe your views of each approach and how effective (or not) each approach was.
   • Identify the source(s) where you read these issues.

                                 

Select any one of the following starter bullet point sections. Review the important themes within the sub questions of each bullet point. The sub questions are designed to get you thinking about some of the important issues. Your response should provide a succinct synthesis of the key themes in a way that articulates a clear point, position, or conclusion supported by research. Select a different bullet point section than what your classmates have already posted so that we can engage several discussions on relevant topics. If all of the bullet points have been addressed, then you may begin to re-use the bullet points with the expectation that varied responses continue.

• Individual development is described as a short-term orientation to performance improvement. In contrast, career development is a more long-term approach. Which has the greatest impact on the organization (individual development or career development)? What types of topics or activities might be used for each (individual versus career development)? Should development always focus on job- or organizational-specific concerns or might development include any type of development for an individual (including things that don’t specifically relate to the job/organization)? Leadership lessons you can learn?
• Many organizations suggest that human resources (HR) are their most valuable resource. A competitive advantage can be achieved by maximizing everyone’s contribution. Therefore, sustainable competitive advantage is based on an organization’s ability to utilize its most valuable resource—people. Relative to physical and financial resources, how important are human resources? In other words, are human resources more important? Less important? Of the same importance? What factors should we consider when trying to answer these questions? Do you agree that the only way to sustain a competitive advantage is through an organization’s HR? Leadership lessons you can learn?
• Have you ever had a leader who was also a good coach? What did she or he do? How did she or he make you feel? What were some of the attributes that she or he possessed? Was there one attribute that seemed to be most important or most crucial to being a good coach? Leadership lessons you can learn?
• Organizational and leadership experts can perform at least two different roles. One is the role of a consultant. The other is the role of a coach. What is similar about a consultant and a coach and the process that each uses? What is different? Can the same person perform both? Can the same person perform both in the same organization? Are there other similar roles (e.g., counselor, advisor, mentor, etc.)? How do those roles compare/contrast to the coaching role? Leadership lessons you can learn?

 

1. Assignment 2: Designing a Training Program
   Due Week 8 and worth 300 points
   Create a written proposal in which you detail the complete design of an employee training program.
   Write a six to eight (6-8) page paper in which you:
   1. Design a two (2) day training program for a group of twenty (20) employees.
   2. Identify two to three (2-3) training needs though a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) and justify an approach for this training.
   3. Develop the training objective for this program based on an analysis of the business.
   4. Determine the training cost for the training program you are proposing. Include a detailed breakdown of time allotted for each piece, the subsequent cost analysis, and the total cost for the project as a whole.
   5. Select key training method(s) to deliver the program to employees, such as an e-Learning module or a one-day face-to-face training program.
   6. Create an agenda of activities for the training program.
   7. Use at least five (5) quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as academic resources.
   8. Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
   9. This course requires use of new Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). The format is different than other Strayer University courses. Please take a moment to review the SWS documentation for details.
   10. Typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
   11. 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 is not included in the required page length.
   12. Include a reference page. Citations and references must follow SWS format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.
   13. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
   • Identify when to conduct a Training Needs Analysis (TNA).
   • Analyze the various approaches to performing a Training Needs Analysis.
   • Develop strategies for training design.
   • Use technology and information resources to research issues in training and development.
   • Write clearly and concisely about training and development using proper writing mechanics.
   • Click here to view the grading rubric for this assignment.
2. By submitting this paper, you agree: (1) that you are submitting your paper to be used and stored as part of the SafeAssign™ services in accordance with the Blackboard Privacy Policy; (2) that your institution may use your paper in accordance with your institution’s policies; and (3) that your use of SafeAssign will be without recourse against Blackboard Inc. and its affiliates.

DUE TODAY IN 8 HOURS. Due by October 12, 5PM Pacific Standard Time (PST)

Submit your responses to all three questions in a single document in APA format. There should be a single title page for the document.

However, each question should have its own separate references page.

The total length of the document should be between 13 and 16 pages.

Please refer to the attached presentation for some keywords and references you can use for this assignment.

Question 1:
In 750-1000 words, identify and explain the five steps of forecasting, and then come up with an original example taken from your own professional experiences to illustrate these steps. Your response must be original. You must incorporate at least three reliable sources, one of which must be the class text, both as references and corresponding in-text citations. APA format is expected.

Question 2:
In 750-1000 words, explain qualitative and quantitative forecasting, and then come up with an original example of each taken from your own professional experiences to illustrate these two forecasting types. Your response must be original. You must incorporate at least three reliable sources, one of which must be the class text, both as references and corresponding in-text citations. APA format is expected.

Question 3:
In 750-1000 words, identify and explain the types of data patterns, and then come up with an original example of each (strive to make it based on your own professional experiences) to illustrate each data pattern type. Your response must be original. You must incorporate at least three reliable sources, one of which must be the class text, both as references and corresponding in-text citations. APA format is expected.

DUE TODAY IN 8 HOURS. Due by October 12, 5PM Pacific Standard Time (PST)

Research studies in forensic psychology that utilize quantitative research designs are more common than those using the qualitative approach. As previously pointed out, qualitative designs have only recently been accepted in forensic psychology research. However, many forensic psychologists and forensic psychology professionals are realizing that much can be learned in many areas of study by using qualitative research designs instead of quantitative. Furthermore, the differences between quantitative and qualitative designs are not as distinct as you might imagine.

To prepare for this assignment:

• Review the article, “From Single Case to Database: A New Method for Enhancing Psychotherapy Practice.” Pay particular attention to how both quantitative and qualitative research designs are used to evaluate individual case studies.
• Using the Walden Library, choose and review a research study in the area of forensic psychology that uses a quantitative design and another that uses a qualitative design. If possible, try to find articles that focus on similar or topics or research questions in forensic psychology.
• Consider the similarities and differences between the two studies in terms of the designs of the studies, the data collection and analysis methods, and the nature of the interpretation of results and conclusions drawn.

The assignment (2–3 pages):

• Briefly describe the quantitative study you selected.
• Briefly describe the qualitative study you selected.
• Compare (similarities and differences) the two studies in terms of the designs, the methods of data collection and analysis, the nature of the interpretation, and conclusions drawn.
• Explain an insight you had or conclusion you now might draw as a result of/based on your comparison.

Learning Resources

Readings

• Article: Fishman, D. B. (2005). Editor’s introduction to PCSP: From single case to database: A new method for enhancing psychotherapy practice. Pragmatic Case Studies in Psychotherapy, 1(1), 1–50. Retrieved from http://ejbe.libraries.rutgers.edu/index.php/pcsp/article/view/855/2167

There should be a single title page for the document. However, each question should have its own separate references page. The total length of the document should be between 13 and 16 pages.

Question 1:
In 750-1000 words, identify and explain the five steps of forecasting, and then come up with an original example taken from your own professional experiences to illustrate these steps. Your response must be original. You must incorporate at least three reliable sources, one of which must be the class text, both as references and corresponding in-text citations. APA format is expected.

Question 2:
In 750-1000 words, explain qualitative and quantitative forecasting, and then come up with an original example of each taken from your own professional experiences to illustrate these two forecasting types. Your response must be original. You must incorporate at least three reliable sources, one of which must be the class text, both as references and corresponding in-text citations. APA format is expected.

Question 3:
In 750-1000 words, identify and explain the types of data patterns, and then come up with an original example of each (strive to make it based on your own professional experiences) to illustrate each data pattern type. Your response must be original. You must incorporate at least three reliable sources, one of which must be the class text, both as references and corresponding in-text citations. APA format is expected.

The following must be submitted by the end of the day (11:59pm local time) on Saturday. No credit is available for submissions not made by this time. The system will not accept submissions made after this time. This is not a group assignment, so no collaboration or discussion is allowed; it must be worked on individually. Submit your responses to all three questions in a single document. There should be a single title page for the document. However, each question should have its own separate references page. The total length of the document should be between 13 and 16 pages.

Question 1:
In 750-1000 words, identify and explain the five steps of forecasting, and then come up with an original example taken from your own professional experiences to illustrate these steps. Your response must be original. You must incorporate at least three reliable sources, one of which must be the class text, both as references and corresponding in-text citations. APA format is expected.

Question 2:
In 750-1000 words, explain qualitative and quantitative forecasting, and then come up with an original example of each taken from your own professional experiences to illustrate these two forecasting types. Your response must be original. You must incorporate at least three reliable sources, one of which must be the class text, both as references and corresponding in-text citations. APA format is expected.

Question 3:
In 750-1000 words, identify and explain the types of data patterns, and then come up with an original example of each (strive to make it based on your own professional experiences) to illustrate each data pattern type. Your response must be original. You must incorporate at least three reliable sources, one of which must be the class text, both as references and corresponding in-text citations. APA format is expected.

 

HINT: See Chapters 10-14 of the text to help understand some of the legal issues covered in this assignment.

Jim and Laura Buyer visit the local car dealership because they are interested in buying a new car. The car they currently have is aging and is starting to have mechanical problems. Jim and Laura would share the new car, and use it to go back and forth to work and school. Before going to the dealership, Jim and Laura decide that they can only afford $400.00 a month in car payments.

Once at the car dealership, Jim and Laura meet Stan Salesman. Stan shows them several vehicles and Jim and Laura test-drive several of the cars. Jim and Laura particularly like the blue 4-door sedan.  Therefore, they agree to give Stan Salesman a $100.00 deposit to hold the car for a day. Stan Salesman does not give them the receipt but guarantees that the $100.00 is refundable. No documents were signed. 

The next day, Stan Salesman calls Jim and Laura to ask them when they would like to take delivery of the car. Jim and Laura, on the way home from the dealership, decided that they were not going to buy the car because they did not want to spend that money each month. Therefore, Jim and Laura tell Stan salesman that they have decided not to buy the car and request their $100.00 deposit back.

Stan insists that the $100.00 was a deposit on the car and was meant to be part of the contract to buy the car. Stan is very persistent and insistent that Jim and Laura have contracted to buy the car; therefore, the $100.00 will be applied to the purchase price of the car. Jim and Laura are shocked and angry as not only do they not want to spend the money, but now feel as though they are being duped by Stan Salesman. 

Jim and Laura have an appointment to see a lawyer in a few days, but know you are a student taking a business law class and come to you for advice. They are very frazzled, and understandably upset that they may have just purchased a car. Since you have been taking business law, you have read and understand the elements of a contract and the defenses to a contract. Therefore, although you are not a lawyer, you provide some basic advice from what you’ve learned in your business law class.

In three to five (3-5) pages, advise Jim and Laura based on the above facts as presented, the material provided in the text, and material covered in the lecture. In your paper, be sure to address the following:

1. Define the elements of a legal contract using examples from the scenario where applicable.
2. Decide whether or not there was a contract for the purchase of the automobile. 
3. Identify the facts from the scenario which support your decision on whether or not a contract exists for the purchase of the automobile. 
4. Use at least two (2) quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as quality academic resources.
5. Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
   • Typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
   • 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 is not included in the required page length.
   • Include a reference page. Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.

Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic / organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric.

  

Programming Project #1

COSC 1436 -Fall 2019

Instructions

Write a program that determines whether two straight lines are perpendicular. The program must prompt the user for the values of x-y coordinates for two points of each line.

For example, in the graph below, the line  is defined by the pairs: (15,10) and (49, 25); whereas the line  is defined by (29, 5) and (32, 32). Again, these values are to be read from the keyboard.

                   

The program should also avoid a “divide by zero error” by checking for horizontal lines. Also, if one of the lines is horizontal, simply check to see if the other one is vertical to determine whether they are perpendicular.

Output

The program output should be either:

“Lines are perpendicular”

Or

“Lines are not perpendicular”

Grading

1. Module/program description…………………………………………………………………………………………. 10%

2. Algorithm – use pseudo code ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 10%

3. Variable and constant declarations:

a. Use meaningful names…………………………………………………………………………………………. 5%

b. Place all declarations at the beginning of each function ………………………….. 5%

4. Ensure code is easy to read and maintain

a. Use spaces between operands / operators / keywords / identifiers ……… 5%

b. Only one statement per line ………………………………………………………………………………. 5%

c. Add comments as appropriate …………………………………………………………………………. 5%

d. Use constants instead of hard-coded values ………………………………………………… 5%

5. Output accuracy – code works as expected ………………………………………………………………. 50%

Let me know if you have any questions.

Good luck!

-Francisco Hernandez