...A Critical Thinking Analysis of the Penn-Mart Memo Kristin Daniels University of Maryland, University College DMBA 610 Professor Jackson The issue that caused this memo to be written is in regards to the rising cost of employee benefits pertaining to healthcare. The Human Resources department was asked to come up with a solution to the problem of the increase in company spending and to find the root causes of expenditure. They proposed the “Get Well” program that will supposedly cut costs, making the perceived effectiveness of this program the main issue of the memo. The conclusion of this memo is that the Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Mr. Monella, wants Penn-Mart to institute a “Get Well” program that would cut down on costs to the company by means of preventative care and getting the employee population more involved in their healthcare. The employees that don’t abide by the new program features will either pay $1,000 towards costs, will break away from the company in some form or will have to rely on another way to get healthcare coverage. The author uses many indicator words in order to make his conclusion clear: he believes that his research shows that “Get Well” will not only make employees feel better about themselves, but will also have a positive impact on Penn-Well’s situation. By conducting internal research into the matter and causes of the increase in healthcare cost for employees, Mr. Monella is communicating what his department feels...
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...Applying Critical Thinking: Analyzing Memo from FSEU Director of Human Resources to President, FSEU Local No. 343 Abstract The Illinois State intends to privatize the Department of Transportation (DoT) information systems management function. This function is currently being performed by 75 State employees, 43 of whom are members of Federated State Employee Union (FSEU) Local 343. On May 12, 2010 the Governor of Illinois notified the President of FSEU Local 343 about the State’s intent. The President of FSEU has asked the union members if the union should oppose the outsourcing proposal. On June 5, 2010 the FSEU Director of Human Resources responded to the President of FSEU Local 343 with the union member’s discussion and recommended opposing the outsourcing proposal. The paper uses the methodology from the book “Asking the Right Questions – A Guide to Critical Thinking” by M. Neil Bowne and Stuart M. Keeley, to analyze the memo from FSEU Director of Human Resources to the President, FSEU Local No. 343. Introduction The Illinois State intends to privatize the Department of Transportation (DoT) information systems management function. The Governor of Illinois notified Mr. Cesar Padilla, the President of Federated State Employee Union (FSEU) Local 343 about the State’s intent on May 12, 2010. The President of FSEU has asked the union members if the union should oppose the outsourcing proposal. In response to the request from the President of FSEU Local No. 343, Ms...
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...Timothy C. Neary DATE: August 23, 2013 RE: Memo Format Guide _______________________________________________________________ Format for Marketing Management Course Memos: We have a consistent format so you don’t have to wonder about form and to facilitate reading your memo. Here are course-specific guidelines: * TO/FROM/DATE/RE should be like this example. A line should separate the header from the body, and Global Business Strategy Course memo should appear in the upper right as in the example. * The TO is as specified, the FROM is your name, the DATE is the date due * You should initial (in pen) by your name. * The RE line may be no more than 2 lines, and it should give the answer to the question or clearly state the point of the memo. * Give the conclusion first; write anticlimactically. * Use bullets or bolding, or some other method to facilitate skim reading. * Avoid spelling or grammar errors. Unless assigned otherwise, you can skip citations. General Guidelines for Memos: Each organization has its own style preference (e.g., many companies double space the TO/FROM, etc.), but here is general advice. * Remember that it take it takes more time to write less. * You will probably need at least 3-4 drafts of your memo to make it read well. * Avoid complicated sentences, and passive voice. * Never have just one big block of text. * Remember that a good memo requires having a clear idea of what you are writing...
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...reports are not used often. When organizing these reports you should think about what you’re going to write. The bibliography can form the first draft of your Work Cited. Save the interview questions for your appendix. Make sure you save all documents and write down all necessary information down. As soon as you know what you’re writing, start the title page and transmittal. Prepare your conclusion, than edit your first draft. The title page contains four things: 1. The title of the report 2. Whom the report is prepared for 3. Whom it is presented by 4. The release date The letter of transmittal tells whom the report was authorized by and its purpose. It gives a basic summary, it helps explain how problems were solved, thanks the readers, and opens the floor for questions. Executive summaries briefly describe methods. The conclusion summarizes the body of the report. Recommendations tell us the actions that were taken and give rationale. The format we should use is PAIBOC. 24.2- In order to decide whether to write a memo or letter of transmittal you should use a memo if you’re a regular employee preparing the report and a letter if you are not. 24.4- The executive summary is the summary that tells the reader what the document is about. 24.5- To decide what heading to use in the body of a report is to mark those that are most important. The heading grabs attention and starts the topic. Make it strong and...
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...relocation. The memo does not start off with a proper introduction. This can be fixed by rewording the introduction to state the reason for the memo more clearly. The discussion section of the memo is hard to follow and does not itemize the increases in production. This can be fixed by stating the increase in volume from “this too this” and state the savings that have been shown. The discussion does not use short and concise sentences and has no effects to keep a readers interest. To fix this you could use graphs to show the production volume increase and the savings that could be had using the shipping companies. The use of situations was nice, but the sentence structure is long and uninviting to read. Suggestion is to use shorter more concise statements and shorter situations. The conclusion statement is too long and does not “thank” the people in the company nor does it give a directive action. The conclusion should be shortened and used to thank the people reading the memo or giving a directive action requiring the move by a certain time. The whole memo is too long and should be kept to one page. This will be accomplished by taking the suggestions listed above. The memo is not very clear in its intent and should be changed starting with the introduction, by providing a clear intent to the content of the memo. The discussion should then be made more concise and provide more precise information regarding the facts of the China relocation. The tone of the memo is mundane and...
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...hymnal can still be found in the pew pocket. However, there are many who know most of them by heart. The song leader leads the congregation like a choir in singing everything from Amazing Grace to Zion Haste, accompanied by a pianist and an organist. There will always be a "special," just before the message, referring to a | | solo or small group musical presentation or perhaps even the choir. A Southern styled gospel quartet fits very well into this type of venue. Message: With his suit and tie uniform looking every bit the man of God he is, the pastor preaches a sermon from the Word of God to a spiritually hungry congregation. Regardless of the topic of the hour, the conclusion of every message will contain the plan of salvation. Doubtless, a hymn of invitation will be sung at the conclusion to invite sinners to come and kneel at an old fashioned altar to do business with God. As the hymn, "Just as I Am" is sung (or a similar hymn of invitation), those who respond to the calling of God's Spirit are met by personal workers up front who pray with them if needed. Souls are saved and lives are changed. | - THE CONTEMPORARY SERVICE Music: Two electric six-string guitars, a bass guitar, a digital electronic keyboard, and a set of drums flank the pulpit. The choruses are flashed up on to the angled walls to the sides of the stage. A congregation of younger people stand to their feet and enthusiastically sing out their worship to God accompanied by hand-clapping...
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...Axia College Material Appendix D Follow up Quiz for Lisa’s trip to Chaco Canyon View Lisa’s trip to Chaco Canyon at http://corptrain.phoenix.edu/hhs/htt210/Chaco_Canyon.html Follow-up Quiz At the conclusion of the digital story, there is a short quiz. You must have this appendix open while taking the online quiz. Be sure to provide the answer and a brief explanation as to why you chose that particular answer. Use the Tab key to move from one cell to the next. The cells will expand to accommodate your text. Please note: The questions will be in the same order as the online quiz questions appear. Question | Response | Which type of ecotourism best describes Lisa’s trip? | Soft ecotourism because Lisa’s trip involves a casual and comfortable approach to experiencing nature. | | | Which type of ecotourism best describes Lisa’s trip? | Nature tourism because it allows visitors to access unspoiled places and experience nature. | | | Which one of the Guidelines for the Ecotraveler does Lisa practice in the Morning section of her journal? | Defer to wildlife because Lisa and the other campers leave the quail family and roadrunner undisturbed. | | | Which two of the Guidelines for the Ecotraveler does Lisa practice in the Breakfast section of her journal? | Conserve resources because Lisa mentioned that the campsite does not provide electricity and Listen reserve and reflect. | | | Which one of the Guidelines for the Ecotraveler is not practiced...
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...[This should list any action item deliverables, due dates for each deliverable and who is responsible for each deliverable (resources). This should also assess potential shortfalls, risk factors, and consequences for the plan. Be sure to end with a transition word or sentence to lead into the next section of your paper. Triple click anywhere in this paragraph to begin typing. You may want to use the table provided (Table 1). Project Closure Approach [This should analyze the implementation planning process at Whitbread World Sailboat Race. Be sure to end with a transition word or sentence to lead into the Conclusion of your paper. Triple click anywhere in this paragraph to begin typing.] Conclusion [This is the conclusion of your paper. It should be one or two paragraphs summarizing the topics in your paper. It should also contain your conclusions or findings. Triple click anywhere in this...
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...environmental scanning and objective 2.2, Determine relevant business competitive strategies are the easiest parts of the reading this week to understand. The team has decided that most difficult objective to understand is objective 2.4, choose measurement guidelines to verify strategy effectiveness. The team believes that objective 2.1 is easy to understand because it encompasses environmental scanning, this just takes a good look at the organization to help determine the strengths, weakness, and resources available internally. In the reading we began to understand that environmental scanning involves studying an organizations industry or business field along with opportunities and threats from an external perspective. Our team came to the conclusion that 2.1 is basically like the SWOT analysis. Companies should use this objective to scan its market for opportunities and make the essential adjustments or change to remain competitive. When the team analyzed objective 2.1, we had some question regarding how can an organization prepare for a new product, especially when it has not been launched. What are the steps and how are a company to prepare for a new or potential threat? Our Team C has analyzed the aforementioned questions and had developed solutions. One solution is that a company can launch a new product by just creating value from the onset to sustain a competitive advantage. Creating value is difficult sometimes especially, when...
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...heard my Grandfather’s voice calling my name. When I rolled over, he was standing there in my room. He said, “Kevie, you be good and take care of your mother.” And then he was gone. After many more experiences of this kind, I have come to the conclusion a person’s soul does go on after death. How this is possible, however, I have not yet come to a reasonable conclusion other than our bodies are merely a vessel we use for time. Epistemology My daughter once asked me, “Dad, how do you know so much?” This question, for some reason, made me stop and think for a moment. How did I know or have the knowledge of the things I spoke of or acted upon? The conclusion I came to was I had the knowledge through several ways. Some knowledge was gained by life experience, while another bit of knowledge was gained by a teaching of some sort. My Grandfather teaching me about engines and how to work on them is an example. Ethics Over my nine years in law enforcement, I have been asked or “hinted” to do, say or act in a way I felt was wrong. I often would ask myself “What is the right thing to do?” I would be asked to plant evidence. To lie in court or on a report to make the person seem guiltier than the evidence already showed. I always came to the conclusion of what the right thing was to do. I would not lie in court....
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...Conclusions and Recommendations All of the research that we have done supports the decision to expand into Indiana, PA. The community, economy, and cultural criteria all received favorable recommendations for a total of 60%. Market possibilities and competition received half support for an additional 20%. Together, Indiana, PA has received 80% based on our informational research. Therefore, we believe that Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. could potentially expand to Indiana, PA. It is a high quality product, and will be easily integrated into this expanding town. In conclusion, we recommend that Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. should expand their store into Indiana, PA. To promise a successful expansion, we recommend the following: 1. Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. should establish a main store in Indiana, PA. * Purchase property to have a place to begin selling sporting good equipment * Educate Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. employees about the community of Indiana, PA and offer jobs to the locals. * Explore hiring local towns people and college students; the available workforce is vast * Market and sell the product in Indiana, PA and to surrounding counties. 2. After a year Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. should determine profitability and progress of the expansion. * Provide a customer satisfaction survey to allow the company to know the areas in which they can improve on. * Compare first year sales with neighboring Dick’s Sporting Goods chains to determine which...
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...argument essay to be effective, it must contain certain elements. For this reason, you must take a few minutes to plan before you jump into writing an argument essay. Find a Good Topic To find good topic for an argument essay you should consider several issues that will have two conflicting points of view or very different conclusions. As you look over a list of topics you should find one that really sparks your interest. While a strong interest in a topic is important, it's not enough. You next have to consider what position you can back up with reasoning. It's one thing to have a strong belief, but when shaping an argument you'll have to explain why your belief is reasonable and logical. As you explore the topics, make a mental list of points you could use as evidence for or against an issue. Consider Both Sides of Your Topic and Take a Position Once you have selected a topic you feel strongly about, you should make a list of points for both sides of the argument. One of your first objectives in your essay will be to present both sides of your issue with an assessment of each. Of course, you will conclude that one side (your side) is the best conclusion. In the planning stage you will need to consider strong arguments for the "other" side. Then you'll shoot them down! Gather Evidence When we think of arguments we might picture two red-faced people speaking quite loudly and making dramatic gestures. But that's because face-to-face arguments often become emotional. In fact...
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...ACADEMIC WRITING Centre for Teaching and Learning Signpost words and phrases Having researched your topic in preparation for writing an essay, you will probably have accumulated a wide range of facts, published research, and other information relevant to the topic. Many people simply throw these facts together in body paragraphs, without properly applying them to the topic or signalling to the reader the connections between them. Simply adding a few connecting words – known as “signposts” – make it much more readable: Incorporation offers several advantages to businesses and their owners. For one thing, ownership is easy to transfer. The business is able to maintain a continuous existence even when the original owners are no longer involved (Brown, 1999). In addition, the stockholders of a corporation are not held responsible for the business's debts (Henry, 2009). If the XYZ Corporation defaults on a $1 million loan, for instance, its investors will not be held responsible for paying that liability. Incorporation also enables a business to obtain professional managers with centralised authority and responsibility; therefore, the business can be run more efficiently (Schwartz, 2010). Finally, incorporation gives a business certain legal rights . For example, it can enter into contracts, own property, and borrow money (Brown, 1999). Transitions show the reader the “movement” between ideas/points. They show that the ideas follow a logical order and build on each other, creating...
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...Economics essay: short guidelines BBA 2012-2013, D. Besson Topics: The topic of the Economics essay is to be chosen by taking in consideration your centres of interest and also your professional or next year(s) studying project. A priori, there are no restrictions in the kind of the subject. Any subject is acceptable, if not too broad (that would be impossible to treat in the limited scope of an essay) neither too specific (for the bibliographical references could be too difficult to find). Of course, it must be a topic in Economics, either micro (study of one or several firms in an industry in (set of) countries, for example) or macro (the Economic development of a market, of an industry, or an economic area). Some social phenomenons can be analyzed from an economic point of view (life styles and consumption; demography and labor market; for examples). Your subject can be linked with your dissertation topic (or, at today, the domain you consider you could cover in your dissertation), but of course it’s not an obligation. I remind you that you must submit me your topic for my agreement. Indicative length: It’s not easy to give a precise indication, as it depends of the subject. Some subjects need more long descriptions, and some other ones, more synthetic and/or more theoretical, require less length. As an indication, I can say that under 10 pages (around 3500 words) it’s impossible to make a good essay. More than 25 pages (9000 words) would certainly be too long for the quantity...
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...Journal of Business and Education Leadership. Pg. 104) A study was done at Robert Morris University in Western Pennsylvania to determine what students felt was acceptable in both online learning and the actual classroom, how easy it was to cheat, and what could be done to discourage it more. “As a recent experience at Harvard demonstrates, maintaining academic integrity is a problem in the classroom as well as in the online setting.” (Swartz & Cole. Journal of Business and Education Leadership. Pg. 103) Students from several business courses with differing demographics were surveyed. The goal of the study was to identify the problems and see what accountability tools could be put into place to promote more integrity in the students. At the conclusion of the study, it was determined to make students well aware of what academic integrity is and why it is important to their success as a student along with help for instructors to hold students more accountable. Reflection In reading this article, I hadn’t...
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