Recent orders
BUSI 4940 Chapter one summary
BUSI 4940: Chapter one summaryChapter one is titled ‘strategic management: creating competitive advantages’. The chapter begins by posing a fundamental question in how much credit or blame does a leader deserve? The chapter focusses on answering the question by highlighting on two perspectives of leadership. The first one is the romantic view whereby the leader is the driving force behind an organization, for instance, Steve jobs in apple and secondly, the external control perspective that cites external forces as determinants towards a company’s success, for instance, economic downturns. Leadership makes a difference in any company in that proactive ones constantly make changes in their company’s strategies that give their companies an edge compared to other companies. Another aspect of a leader who makes a difference is one that understands the company’s resources and capabilities. A thorough understanding of strategic management is also crucial to any leader.
Another concept discussed in the chapter is the definition of strategic management. Strategic management is classified into three levels: Analysis, formulation and the implementation. To come up with a strategic plan, a company’s leader should consider the competitive advantage that is both unique and valuable which cannot be copied by the competition. Also, key aspects in the company should be considered to ensure the success of a strategic plan such as the company’s goals, short term and long term perspectives as well as understanding what the company has to give up to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. However, the business environment is unpredictable in such a way that a company may make an intended strategy, but due to the business environment, they end up adopting an alternative approach.
Another concept introduced in the chapter is on corporate governance and stakeholder management. Corporate governance is the relationship among the various participants who determine the direction in which a company moves. Stakeholder management is viewed as zero-sum, where stakeholders compete for attention and as symbiosis where stakeholders receive mutual benefits.
BUSI 4940: Chapter two summary
Chapter 2 is titled “analyzing the external environment of a firm: creating competitive advantages.” The main concept introduced in the chapter is the analysis of the external environment of a firm. A firm that does not keep up with its external environment finds itself losing a competitive advantage, therefore creating an environmentally aware organization is crucial. The process of doing so is first doing an environmental scan, then monitoring the environment and finally gathering competitive advantage. When armed with these tools, a firm can be able to make forecasts of its external environment. Another way of keeping up with the external environment is the use of scenario analysis which involves the detailed assessment of the ways trends may affect an issue and lead to development of alternative futures. In order to get a snapshot of how a company is doing, a SWOT analysis is used. A SWOT analysis looks at the Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats affecting a firm. A company needs to be aware of its strengths and the opportunities available to it as well as observing the weakness the company has and the threats that may affect it in the external environment.
The external environment has factors that are difficult to control, for instance, the political and economic aspects. One of the aspects of an external environment is the threats of new entrants in the companies industry. New entrants usually bring with them new ideas that are attractive to the customer base. For a company to be successful, they need to be aware of the threats and react accordingly to continue being competitive in its market segment. Other external factors that may affect the firm are the bargaining power of buyers, the bargaining power of suppliers, the threat of substitute products and services; the intensity of rivalry among competitors in the industry as well as how the internet and digital technologies affect competitive forces. The chapter concludes with ways in which a firm can do good industry analysis and therefore help the company be more aware of the external factors that may affect it.
BUSI 4940: Chapter three summary
Chapter 3 is titled ‘Assessing the internal environment of the firm.’ The chapter focuses on realizing how a company can maintain a competitive edge by optimizing the firm’s internal environment. The first concept introduced to assist in this endeavor is value chain analysis Value is what most amounts of buyers are willing to pay for what a firm produces. A value chain analysis is used to determine which areas a company gets more value and how it can get the most out of these areas. The value chain analysis has two types of activities the primary activities, for instance, outbound logistics and support activities that are related to technology, human resource management, and general administration. Also, understanding the interrelationships between different aspects of the value chain is critical for any manager. For example, a good manager will ensure what happens in one department is communicated to the other; for instance, when something happens in a firm’s marketing department, hence it is essential that the operation department knows.
Another concept introduced in the chapter is the Resource-based view of the firm. The concept is also used to get an idea of the competitive advantage a firm has. Successful companies are successful because they have mastered the art of learning how to master heir internal assets, and those resources can lead to a competitive edge. The resources are divided into tangible resources, intangible resources, organizational resources, and strategic resources. To protect company resources, companies can use various methods. The methods are the use of physical uniqueness, path dependency, casual ambiguity, and social complexity. A company’s ability to maintain originality will increase the value of the product, and hence the company has a competitive advantage over competitors. Finally, it is essential to evaluate the firm’s performance. Some of the ways of assessing performance are financial ratio analysis and using a balanced scorecard.
BUSI 4940: Chapter Four summary
Chapter four is titled ‘recognizing a firms intellectual assets: Moving beyond a Firms Tangible Resources’. In the chapter, the main idea is that the company value is the physical aspect and the intellectual assets the company has. The material resources that a company has are as important as the intellectual resources in that intellectual resources also add to its overall value. The intellectual resource is tied to people rather than the physical assets which a company has. In some cases, the intellectual value of a company can be higher than that of the physical assets that the company has. The measure of the company’s intangible assets is referred to as intellectual capital. For instance, an apple’s physical value is at 117.2 billion, while its market value is 510 billion.
Another concept we can get from the chapter is the central role of human capital. Human capital is part of the intangible resources available to a company divided into human capital and social capital. Human capital is the individual’s skills that the company’s employees have, while social capital includes the networks of relationships individuals have throughout the organization. Therefore, knowledge management is needed to use the knowledge the employees have into explicit knowledge documented. Another concept introduced is human capital. Human capital is the skilled people who work for you. A company has to find ways to target and recruit skilled resources, develop these skills, and retain human capital.
Attracting capital requires creating a social environment that is conducive for employees to work in and offer enough financial compensation that is attractive enough to bring the human capital to the company. The employees of a company should communicate effectively to disseminate information faster and work efficiently, and for this to happen, there should be effective communication between group members. The chapter introduces ways to make communication better by overcoming barriers to communication. Finally, the chapter concludes with ways to protect the intangible resources in a company’s strategic plan.
BUSI 4940: Chapter Five summary
Chapter Five is titled ‘creating and sustaining competitive advantage.’ In the chapter, we learn that Businesses compete for markets and hence the need to select a sustainable marketing strategy to the market. The business can either choose to use a low-cost position or a uniqueness perceived by the customers. In a low-cost leadership position, the firm will be required to create a value chain focused on managing a sustainable relationship with the business. In differentiation, the customers are given a diverse product and services, hence, can choose from a wider pool of commodities that satisfy their different needs. Some of the examples of companies that pursue leadership strategy include McDonald’s and Walmart. In the differentiation strategy, one can use the examples of Apple and Target. Hence, apple has different products than those found with the competitors; the unique feels of its devices and the unique designs make apple customers loyal to the brand.
In cost leadership, the firm aims to reduce the cost of all the activities that it is doing. The different individuals in the firm, including the marketing department, sales, advertising, value chain, and even the service providers, aim to reduce the cost to maximize return. In cost leadership, an experience curve is created with time. By improving competition, the business will demand loyalty from the customers, suppliers, stakeholders, and other market players. There are numerous ways to create a differentiation strategy that includes product development, technology, customer service, and many other innovative strategies.
The focus strategy exploits the business needs and aims to differentiate the target market to reduce costs. The resultant effect of this is improved loyalty by customers, suppliers, and even other stakeholders. The Focus can be faced with different disadvantages and may include: other company’s adaptation of the focus strategies; hence the business is unable to continue benefiting from the advantage it once enjoyed. Companies can choose to use a combination strategy that involves a mix of differentiation and low cost. The strategy can be done; nonetheless, the concept is hard to master. The internet digital strategy is also very efficient as technology allows for instant response in business. Hence, industries can use different strategies depending on the life cycle of the industries.
BUSI 4940: Chapter six summary
The chapter is titled ‘creating value through diversification.’ The chapter starts by stating that Businesses need to create value through diversification as it continues to grow. Initially, the use of differentiation and low cost is essential. Nonetheless, with increased growth, businesses need to succeed healthily. For example, the company seeks to create mergers, joint ventures, acquisitions, and internal development through diversification. A firm may choose to diversify in related or unrelated businesses that include concentration on one line of business or a complete shift from the business line into other economic activities. In related diversification, the company creates economies of scale, market power, and the same industry and line. The company can major in the best sector by creating synergy, increasing differentiation, negotiating power improvement by the customers, and grasping a higher market share. Hence, making a vertical integration or horizontal integration. In vertical integration, the business looks to reach other costs that other external persons previously handled, such as contract cost, monitoring cost, and negotiation costs. In horizontal integration, the company majors on matters that are within its grasp.
In diversification for unrelated products, the business can choose to be the parent or restructure based on the asset, capital, or management. For example, they are selling assets that are not being used, hence improving asset utilization efficiency to create income and value for the business. Diversification can be done through mergers, internal development, or acquisition to achieve the desired market portfolio. Mergers involve companies’ consolidation to become one while acquisition is buying another firm to become part of the original business. In strategic alliances, companies agree to collaborate and benefit from one another. For example, in reducing manufacturing cost, the companies can create sustainable innovations that benefit the businesses in reducing manufacturing costs. In internal development, the business grows on its own through corporate entrepreneurship. The different ways to grow are effective depending on the company and the tactics that it has in reaching their growth and development goals
Management Knowledge Management & Information Strategy
Management: Knowledge Management & Information Strategy
Improving how knowledge management is leveraged in organizations for improved business performance
Name:
Class:
Presented to:
Date:
Executive Summary
Knowledge management is currently one of the hottest concepts in all industries. Driven by pressures such as increased competition, need for innovation, need to improve quality of products and services and availability of new and effective information management tools, firms are increasingly investing in technology and humans with the aim of leveraging intellectual assets. Numerous scholars have shown that knowledge is an important resource to firm as it contributes to successful organizational performance if well managed. This paper examines how knowledge is leveraged in organizations and its contribution to business performance. A review of literature on the factors that influence success and failure of Knowledge Management Systems (KMS) implementation projects is conducted. This is followed by a summary of the crucial managerial and technological factors that support a successful performance of KMS implementation project. To understand this issue better, the paper derives qualitative data on National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) related to the subject matter. NTPC is an Indian power generation company and it is one example of firms that have implemented KMS recently. Content analysis is applied on the data and a detailed outline of the implementation approach undertaken by this company is given. The challenges encountered during the process, the technology adopted and the benefits derived from the project are also examined. The analysis of this company finds that the KMS project has encountered numerous challenges and its return to the company can be termed as average. It emerged that some of the challenges have emerged from failure to incorporate some of the crucial factors in the implementation process such as the use of motivational aids. The company needs to incorporate all crucial factors in the implementation process and to find strategies to minimize or overcome the challenges in order to increase value of the project.
Introduction
With the rapidly changing business world organizations are finding it necessary to leverage on KM in a way that any new knowledge is shared across the organization and stored for future use. The concept has gained prominence since the mid 1990s following the work of Peter Drucker. Knowledge is being viewed as a key resource in business for economic growth by developing a competitive edge. Fernandez and Sabherwal (2010, p. 56) defined KM as doing what is needed to get the most out of knowledge resources. KM involves enhancing knowledge creation and sharing it within organization and leveraging it to achieve business goals.
Drive towards knowledge management is being influenced by a variety of factors that include; increasing knowledge domain complexity and fragmentation; accelerating market volatility; intensified speed of responses; increased employee turnover; globalization of businesses; business process reengineering and complex organizational interlacing among others (Fernandez and Sabherwal, 2010 p. 56: Maier, 2004, p. 82). To enhance creation, sharing and application of knowledge organizations are increasingly developing KMS.
Within this discussion various issues in KM and KMS information have been critically evaluated in detail. These includes; empirical studies from peer-reviewed publications on causes of successes and failure of KMS project to deliver the value promised; factors crucial to designing a successful KMS and case study review of NTPC. Key conclusion and recommendation are made at the end of this discussion.
Literature review
Numerous scholars have given attention to the factors contributing to the effectiveness of KM implementation process. Kulkarni et al (2007, p. 309), developed a KM success model that gives one of the most comprehensive assessment on the subject matter. In a study comprising of 10 companies, Kulkarni et al (2007, p. 309) established seven key factors that affect successful implementation of KM system namely; the degree of fit of KM framework into organizational culture; the strength of the KM foundation; level of acceptance by staff; level of fit with organizational information technology infrastructure; level of training deployed on staff related to new knowledge artifacts; availability of resources to support the process; and the extent of support from management. Changzheng (2010, p. 349), on the other hand developed a five-factor model on the subject matter and proposed that technical factors and managerial factors such as motivation, coordination, measurement and monitoring are the key drivers to the successful implementation of KMS. Both of the above studies acknowledged that failure to uphold the proposed factors only leads to failure of KM project.
Contrary to the above assessments, Wen (2009, p. 363) developed a framework representing the existing relationships among knowledge, data, information and wisdom within an organization, with the aim of understanding the factors that contribute to the effectiveness of a KMS. According to Wen (2009, p. 4), knowledge, information and data contribute to the effectiveness of regular affairs of an organization. On the other hand, wisdom is essential to an organization when irregular affairs emerge since it assists in developing appropriate actions in response to changing environment. Thus, Wen (2009, p. 363) argued that KM encourages individuals within an organization to manage and utilize knowledge effectively while working. Wen (2009, p. 4) came up with a knowledge management assessment tool to evaluate the effectiveness of KM system projects. The proposed tool comprised of five main elements: KM process, technology, strategy and leadership and culture. The tool was composed of four success factors: persons involved in knowledge management process, procedures of implementing KM adopted, information technology adopted during the implementation of KM system and the level of support of organizational overall structure for KM project. Though this argument has been criticized as lacking concrete standard, it contributes immensely to the understanding about the factors that contribute to the effectiveness of KMS.
Chun-Ming et al (2012, p. 387) assessed the factors affecting the success of KMS in an aerospace manufacturing firm. The author took a different root from the above scholars by developing a model for assessing the impact of the fit between KM capabilities (network capability and codification capability) and KM processes (socialization, internalization, externalization and combination) on the successful implementation of KMS. The results of the study indicated that a fit between the two elements enhances knowledge creativity, knowledge quality and knowledge satisfaction and hence, contributes to the successful implementation of KMS. Evidently, this model focuses more on cultural fitness and does not give attention to effects of poor fit.
Another KM assessment model developed by Kazemi and Allahyari (2010, p. 872) proposed eight major factors that contribute to successful implementation of KM namely: worker’s motivation; extent of support from leadership; extent off fit with technology adopted by an organization; acceptability by other stakeholders such as shareholders customers; suppliers and surrounding community; the extent of fit to organizational culture; level knowledge and skills by workers and leaders and conformity between old and new systems. Kazemi & Allahyari (2010 p. 872) therefore argued that the failure for KM system implementation process arises from lack of expertise by management in regard to the dimensions of KM, failure to select proper team members, improper planning and forecasting, poor fit with organizational culture and technology, resistant to change and lack of conformity between the old and the new KMS.
The crucial factors to the designing of KMS
There are numerous factors that are crucial to the process of implementation of KMS, as established in the literature review section. Most of the theoretical models and frameworks examined highlighted the importance of designing KMS in a manner that integrates humans and technology in the whole process (Wen, 2009, p. 363; Chun-Ming et al, 2012, p. 387; Kazemi & Allahyari, 2010 p. 872; Kulkarni et al, 2007, p. 309; & Changzheng, 2010, p. 349). During the implementation process, the management is tasked with the process of developing a supportive culture. As Chun-Ming et al (2012, p. 387) explains, this can be achieved through designing the project in a way that supports the interests of the key stakeholders such as employees, management and shareholders. If different groups of stakeholders share the same interest, the quality of knowledge artifacts should be consistent. If they have different interests, the objectives of the project should address the different groups of stakeholders separately and satisfy their interests. This can be achieved through collecting the views of the key stakeholders and then incorporating them when designing KM implementation plan. This will ensure that that the project derives enough support from the management and other stakeholders and also eliminate the possibility of rejection. Secondly, the management has a role of developing appropriate organizational infrastructure to conduct the implementation of the project (Kulkarni et al, 2007, p. 309). Cautiousness should be exercised to ensure that the implementation team is comprised of knowledgeable and skilled individuals to handle the task.
Additionally, the management should ensure that KM implementation project is supplied with enough resources to support successful implementation (Kulkarni et al, 2007, p. 309). Financial resources are needed to support any new investment in technology and to compensate persons allocated the role of implementation of the project. Additionally, the management should act as role model and advise the rest of stakeholders about the importance of the project. The management should also encourage workers by offering them motivational aids. Incentives or rewards to motivate the employees should be focused on criteria such as teamwork, innovation solutions, creativity and knowledge sharing and contribution (Kulkarni et al, 2007, p. 309). The employees need to be given free time to conduct KM activities. The management has an additional role of ensuring that employees are provided with appropriate training and skills about new knowledge artifacts. During recruitment of employees into an organization, the management is charged with the role of ensuring that candidates with desired knowledge to fill gaps are given the first consideration.
As Kazemi and Allahyari (2010, p. 873) explains, information technology is one of the key enablers for the implementation process of KMS. A few centuries ago, information technology used to be a static archive of information. However, it has evolved to become a connector of one human to another and of a human to information. Today, it enables quick search, access and retrieval of data and can support effective communication and corroboration among members of an organization. Generally, it can play numerous roles in support of KMS implementation process. According to Kazemi and Allahyari, (2010, p. 873), information technologies that support KM can be grouped into the following categories; knowledge base, business intelligence, collaboration, portals, content and document management, customer relationship management, workflow, data mining, search, and e-learning. During implementation of KM, there is need to give consideration to needs such as suitability the needs of users, knowledge structure standardization, ease of use, knowledge content relevancy and simplicity of technology.
NTPC Case Study
NTPC is the largest Indian power generation company and one of the largest and most efficient power companies in the world. Established in 1975, this company has diversified into power, equipment manufacturing, hydropower, power trading and distribution, coal mining and oil and gas exploration (Alok et al, 2010, p. 391). In 2004, this company conducted an assessment of its knowledge management system, in consultation with AT Kearney Company. Based on the results of the assessment and the recommendations made, NTPC decided to implement a new and relatively more effective knowledge management system. The implementation project was initiated in 2007 and has been going on over the years. Apart from the need to improve the effectiveness of the previous KMS, the change was also driven by the company’s vision of becoming a learning organization.
While designing the new system, NTPC made consideration o f the key human and technological factors (Alok et al 2010, p. 391). Behavioral values and contributions of the users, organizational structures and incentives for contributors and users were all put into consideration. The company also gave consideration of critical issues such as characteristics of relevant knowledge, knowledge process that would enable the company to gain value and competitive advantage, the most appropriate mechanisms to develop and apply relevant knowledge and the organization needs that needed that would need to be taken into account in order for the mechanisms to work. This was followed by a pilot study and development of change management program in the company. According to Alok et al (2010, p. 391), this step was aimed at transferring individual learning into organizational learning. After the pilot study became successful and the change management process was underway, the company embarked on full implementation of the project.
According to Alok et al (2010, p. 393) the implementation process started with the appointment of domain leaders. Knowledge domains were developed based on specific criteria. This was followed by identification and appointment of affinity groups members in different segments of the company to assist the domain leaders in archiving and updating knowledge base. The affinity groups were supplied with documents and electronic instruments to capture knowledge in their respective domains. The affinity groups capture knowledge from all locations and submit it to domain leaders. Knowledge is then classified into categories. Domain leaders approve the uploaded information which is then compiled into knowledge documents. The knowledge documents are then placed at all locations for users to download.
The challenges the NTPC faced while introducing the KMS
NTPC has encountered numerous challenges in the process of implementing KMS. One of the causes of difficulties encountered is that knowledge sources in this company exists in any forms and are widely distributed. There was need for incorporation of a common interface that would allow access to the different types of knowledge (Alok et al, 2010, p. 393). Secondly, the system sometimes fails to capture learning and experiences. This leads the domain leaders to refer to past documents for experiences, making the process cumbersome. The system does not capture tacit information residing within an individual. Additionally, the project failed to capture experiences derived from dealings with various stakeholders such as government and non-governmental organizations. According to Alok et al (2010, p. 393), there is often an inadequate communication across levels, functions and geographies, which limit the process of updating knowledge. Another challenge is the lack of a formal process for knowledge codification and classification, leading to difficulties in the process of knowledge retrieval. During the initial stages of the project, there lacked enough documented past knowledge to be used in development of guidelines and methodologies for work efficiency improvement.
According to Alok et al, (2010, p. 394), conversion of available past documents from soft to hard formats was a hard task. The available IT systems were slow in retrieving information across levels, functions and geographies. The established processes for creating awareness about knowledge base across levels, geograghis and functions were weak. The company did not provide any motivational aids to employees for their contributions to KM Individuals. Finally, some past documents such as project reports and proposal are stored manually and hence, they are hardly shared across levels, geographies and functions.
The technology used in support of the design
NTPC adopted KM technologies to support the process of knowledge sharing. An integrated portal named ‘Lakshya’ was developed to facilitate knowledge sharing and reuse. According to Alok et al, (2010, p. 394), the portal organizes information gathered by type and topic and provides access for all knowledge sources. A user of the portal is able to access available knowledge sources by searching from a list of knowledge sources grouped by type or topic. The portal obtains the request of the user loads the appropriate software and data and displays the requested knowledge. The portal can also be used as a knowledge management planning tool by locating expertise and information for future knowledge efforts. Finally, the portal acts as an inventory for knowledge that is accessible by users from specific domains anytime.
Benefits of the project
Though NTPC’s KMS encountered numerous difficulties from the initial point, it has several benefits. One of the benefits is improvement in culture of knowledge sharing within the company, hence transforming it into a learning organization. Secondly, trust and openness were developed among individuals within the company. Individuals are able to access knowledge and experience with ease.
Level of efficiency has increased: more time is spent by employees on analyzing information rather than searching. According to Alok et al, (2010, p. 394), the company has so far recorded a reduction in the lead time in day-to-day activities and business processes. Further, there has been a cost reduction as a result of improved practices across plants. Finally, the system has helped to open new revenue enhancement opportunities.
Conclusions and recommendations
In conclusion, KM is essential for firms if they are to maintain competitiveness in their respective industries and markets. Lack of KMS within a firm may leave some major knowledge gaps, exposing the future performance of the firm to risk. This discussion examined various factors that influence successful implementation of KM projects within organizations. All the Models and frameworks examine from the previous literature of the subject matter highlighted the importance of technological and human factors. As noted, failure to give consideration to the factors examined will result in project failure. The case of NTPC is a good example of a recent KM implementation project. The implementation process of this project largely incorporated technological and human factors. However, as noticed in the challenges facing the project, some of the crucial human factors such as offering motivational aids to employees are ignored. Based on the assessment models examined earlier, the performance of this project is currently can be termed as average. Generally, NTPC needs to incorporate all crucial technological and human factors into the implementation process in order to attain maximum value. It also needs to come up with strategies to minimize the challenges as much as possible in order to ensure that the project bears more fruits in the future.
Bibliography
Alok K G, Geeta R S & Renu R (2010). “Knowledge management implementation in NTPC: an Indian
PSU”, Management Decision, Vol. 48 Iss: 3, pp.383 – 395
Changzheng Z (2010). “A four-factor model on the success of knowledge management.” International
Conference on Networking and Digital Society, Vol. 1, pp. 349 – 352
Chun-Ming C, Meng-Hsiang H & Chia-Hui Y (2012). “Factors affecting knowledge management
success: the fit perspective”, Journal of Knowledge Management, Vol. 16 Iss: 6, pp.847 – 861
Fernandez I and Sabherwal R (2010). Knowledge Management Systems and Processes. New York:
M.E. Sharpe Inc
Kazemi M & Allahyari M Z (2010). “Defining a knowledge management conceptual model by using
MADM” Journal of Knowledge Management. Volume 14, Issue 6, pp. 872 – 890
Kulkarni U R, Ravindran S & Freeze R (2007). “A Knowledge Management Success Model:
Theoretical Development and Empirical Validation.” Journal of Management Information Systems. Volume 23, Issue 3, pp. 309 – 347
Maier R (2004). Knowledge Management Systems: Information and Communication Technologies for
Knowledge Management. 2nd Ed. New York: Springer-Verlag
Wen Y (2009). “An effectiveness measurement model for knowledge management.” Knowledge-Based
Systems. Vol. 22, Issue 5, Pp. 363–367
Mini-Project I Cultural Analysis Guideline (2)
Mini-Project I: Cultural Analysis Guideline
Introduction
Brief discussion of the country’s relevant history
Geographical setting writing guide
Location
Climate
Topography
Social institutions
Family
The nuclear family
The extended family
Dynamics of the family
Parental roles
Marriage and courtship
Female/male roles (changing or static?)
Education
The role of education in society
Primary education (quality, levels of development, etc.)
Secondary education (quality, levels of development, etc.)
Higher education (quality, levels of development, etc.)
Literacy rates
Political system
Political structure
Political parties
Stability of government
Special taxes
Role of local government
Legal System
Organization of the judiciary system
Code, common, socialist, or Islamic-law country?
Participation in patents, trademarks, and other conventions
Marketing Laws
Social organization
Group behavior
Social classes
Clubs, other organizations
Race, ethnicity, and subcultures
Religion and aesthetics
Religion and other belief systems
Orthodox doctrines and structures
Relationship with the people
Which religions are prominent?
Membership of each religion
Any powerful or influential cults?
Aesthetics
Visual arts (fine arts, plastics, graphics, public art, colors, etc.)
Drama, ballet, and other performing arts
Folklore and relevant symbols
Living conditions
Diet and nutrition
Meat and vegetable consumption rates
Typical meals
Malnutrition rates
Foods available
Housing
Types of housing available
Do most people own or rent?
Do most people live in one-family dwellings or with other families?
Clothing
National dress
Types of clothing worn at work
Recreation, sports, and other leisure activities
Types available and in demand
Percentage of income spent on such activities
Social security
Health care
Language
Official language(s)
Spoken versus written language(s)
Dialects
Summary
Sources of information
Appendixes (If applicable)
Helpful Country Profiles websites:
BBC News Country Profiles http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/country_profiles/default.stmCIA factbook: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/Global Edge Country Insights: https://globaledge.msu.edu/global-insights/by/country
Writing instructions:
12-font size, times new roman, 1-inch margin on all sides, single-spaced. Suggest to keep and only keep two levels of subtitle. APA or MLA format. No page limit.
Try to avoid the following Fatal Writing Flaws. If you have multiple writing flaws in your paper, you will have a lower grade.
1. Subject/Verb Agreement
2. Rambling/Run-On Sentences
3. Grammatical Errors
4. Poor Sentence Structure
5. Pervasive Spelling Errors (more than a couple typos)
6. Informal or Inappropriate Language
7. No Conclusion
If this paper contains ANY plagiarized content, you will fail the course. Plagiarized content includes any and all of the following:
Material taken word-for-word from another source that is not properly cited.
Material that is repeated word-for-word from another source and is not put into quotation marks
Material that is put into your own words but still follows the original author’s thought pattern and is not cited. However, citing something like this is only ok for small points, not whole sections of your paper.
You are strongly encouraged to use references to guide your writing but I am more interested in hearing YOUR ideas and YOUR arguments. You should not rely on quotes from other sources to make up the bulk of your paper. They should be used sparingly and only to support YOUR arguments.
Any sources that you do use should be valid sources such as the text book, library books, journal articles, news stories, or government websites. Any other websites should not be considered valid resources – especially Wikipedia. Use of Wikipedia will immediately result in a failing grade (40).
Purdue has an excellent website with tips and instructions on how to properly use and cite references to prevent plagiarism. You may use either APA or MLA format.
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/Country Project I and II Grading Rubric
____/10There was a clear introduction and conclusion
____/10 Paper has been proofread, with limited grammar, spelling, and punctuation and formatting errors.
____/25Comprehensive and detailed nature of the research. Cover as many guidelines and as detailed as possible.
____/25Interpretation of the collected information. This should not be a list of facts about the country, but a broader picture of these conditions and what it means for international companies. In addition, how this country is different from the United States?
____/20Quality of information sources. Outside sources are properly cited (Reputable sources must be used, rather than only internet sources).
____/10The writing is coherent and flows well.
____/100Total Grade
Format Example is on the next page
Format Example:
Mini-Project I: Cultural Analysis of United States of America
Introduction
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
Geographical setting writing guide
The United States of America’s location is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
XXXXXXXX
The United States of America’s climate is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
XXXXXXXX
The United States of America’s topography is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
Social institutions
Family
The United States of America’s family is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s family is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s family is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s family is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Education
The United States of America’s education is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s education is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s education is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s education is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Political system
The United States of America’s political system is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s political system is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s political system is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s political system is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Legal System
The United States of America’s legal system is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s legal system is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s legal system is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s legal system is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Social organization
The United States of America’s social organization is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s social organization is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s social organization is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s social organization is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Religion and aesthetics
Religion and other belief systems
The United States of America’s religion is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s religion is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s religion is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s religion is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Aesthetics
The United States of America’s aesthetics is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s aesthetics is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s aesthetics is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s aesthetics is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Living conditions
Diet and nutrition
The United States of America’s diet and nutrition is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s diet and nutrition is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s diet and nutrition is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s diet and nutrition is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Housing
The United States of America’s housing is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country).
The United States of America’s housing is The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (the third most populous country). The United States of America, commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country with 50 states, with a population of over 327 million people (t