Overview

A critical skill at the doctoral level is the ability to conduct scholarly research guided by

clearly articulated questions that address a specific issue or problem. For this literature

review, your research will be guided by the following three Research Questions:

1. What is the impact that coaching has on management and the correlation to successful retention of employees?

2. Is there is a correlation between the managers that successfully coach their team and those that don’t and what effect it has on moral/turnover rate?

3. Do organizations that encourage coaching have and maintain their human capital by buying into coaching?

The purpose of this research project is for you to create a scholarly piece of doctoral

level research and writing which conforms to current APA format. Competency in the

current APA format is required

What is a literature review?

“A literature review discusses published information in a particular subject area, and sometimes information in a particular subject area within a certain time period.

A literature review can be just a simple summary of the sources, but it usually has an organizational pattern and combines both summary and synthesis. A summary is a recap of the important information of the source, but a synthesis is a re-organization, or a reshuffling, of that information. It might give a new interpretation of old material or combine new with old interpretations. Or it might trace the intellectual progression of the field, including major debates. And depending on the situation, the literature review may evaluate the sources and advise the reader on the most pertinent or relevant.”[i]

How is a literature review different from an academic research paper?

“The main focus of an academic research paper is to develop a new argument, and a research paper will contain a literature review as one of its parts. In a research paper, you use the literature as a foundation and as support for a new insight that you contribute. The focus of a literature review, however, is to summarize and synthesize the arguments and ideas of others without adding new contributions.”[ii] The academic research paper also covers a range of sources, but it is usually a select number of sources, because the emphasis is on the argument. Likewise, a literature review can also have an “argument,” but it is not as important as covering a number of sources. In short, an academic research paper and a literature review contain some of the same elements. In fact, many academic research papers will contain a literature review section. But it is the aspect of the study (the argument or the sources) that is emphasized that determines what type of document it is.

Why write literature reviews?

“Literature reviews provide you with a handy guide to a particular topic. If you have limited time to conduct research, literature reviews can give you an overview or act as a stepping stone. For professionals, they are useful reports that keep them up to date with what is current in the field. For scholars, the depth and breadth of the literature review emphasizes the credibility of the writer in his or her field. Literature reviews also provide a solid background for a research paper’s investigation. Comprehensive knowledge of the literature of the field is essential to most research papers.”[iii]

What is the format for literature reviews?

“Just like most academic papers, literature reviews also must contain at least three basic elements: an introduction or background information section; the body of the review containing the discussion of sources; and, finally, a conclusion and/or recommendations section to end the paper.

• Introduction: Gives a quick idea of the topic of the literature review, such as the central theme or organizational pattern.
• Body: Contains your discussion of sources and is organized thematically.
• Conclusions/Recommendations: Discuss what you have drawn from reviewing literature so far. Where might the discussion proceed?”[iv]

What is a thematic literature review?

“Thematic reviews of literature are organized around a topic or issue, rather than the progression of time.”^v

“Sometimes, though, you might need to add additional sections that are necessary for your study, but do not fit in the organizational strategy of the body. What other sections you include in the body is up to you. Put in only what is necessary. Here are a few other sections you might want to consider:

• Current Situation: Information necessary to understand the topic or focus of the literature review.

• History: The chronological progression of the field, the literature, or an idea that is necessary to understand the literature review, if the body of the literature review is not already a chronology.

• Methods and/or Standards: The criteria you used to select the sources in your literature review or the way in which you present your information. For instance, you might explain that your review includes only peer-reviewed articles and journals.

• Questions for Further Research: What questions about the field has the review sparked? How will you further your research as a result of the review?”^vi

Important Points to Consider

The paper is to be written in strict conformance to current APA standards, and must contain at least 20 pages of content (excluding the title page, abstract, and references), utilizing at least 12 scholarly references.

The paper is to be submitted through SafeAssign at the end of Module 4/Week 8. It is highly recommended that you download and read the instructions to avoid any stress created by issues that are the result of waiting until the last minute.

• A SafeAssign draft check will be provided for you to use to improve your Originality Score prior to your final submission.

Three levels of current APA headings must be used throughout the paper, as this is a graduate-level research paper.

Some students do not fully understand the difference between plagiarism and paraphrasing. Paraphrasing is when you take a source or someone else’s idea and say it in your own words. When you paraphrase, you must still give the author’s name, date, title of the source, the scholarly journal where it came from, and the exact website address or book.

However, when you directly quote a source, it must have quotation marks around the quote, or (if 40 words or more) it must be set in block quotation format. You must also give detailed information of where you acquired the quote.

For the purpose of this academic paper, adhere to the follow rules when quoting or using a source:

• Do not directly quote more than 120 words from any one source.
• If the source is 2,000 words or less, do not directly quote more than 50 words from any one source.
• Do not use the same source more than a total of 3 times within the whole document for quoting or paraphrasing.
• Quotes must contain the section (if provided) and paragraph or page numbers of the quote, and this information must be placed in the reference.
• In all instances, use current APA guidelines for citations and references.

The paper must not be a series of quotations.

[i] Literature Reviews (http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/literature-reviews/)

[ii] Ibid

[iii] Ibid

[iv] Ibid

^v Ibid

^vi Ibid

Major Issues in Healthcare

As healthcare organizations move forward to the future, how healthcare is delivered in the United States will continue to be scrutinized.

Tasks:

Post to the Discussion Area your responses to the following:

• Identify the three major issues affecting healthcare organizations today.
• Describe the role HRM plays in dealing with or addressing these issues.
• Give an example of a healthcare setting and explain how you, as an HR manager in that setting, would respond to the three issues.

Provide reasons and evidence in support of your responses.

To support your work, use your course and textbook readings and also use the South University Online Library. As in all assignments, cite your sources in your work and provide references for the citations in APA format.

Your initial posting should be addressed at 300-500 words. Submit your document to this Discussion Area by the due date assigned. Be sure to cite your sources using APA format.

Respond to your peers throughout the week. Justify your answers with examples, research, and reasoning. Follow up posts need to be submitted by the end of the week.

Use the following rubric as a guide to complete your discussion responses.

Module 2 – Background

CULTURE, TIME, AND BUSINESS ETHICS

Let’s begin this Module by reading chapter 5 of the Byars and Stanberry book:

Byars, S. and Stanberry, Kurt (2018). Impact of Culture and Time on Business Ethics, chapter 5.
Business Ethics. Rice University, OpenStax. Retrieved from http://cnx.org/content/col25722/1.3 pgs. 131-154. CC BY 4.0 license

As you will see, there is indeed a relationship between business ethics, culture, and time. Of course, ethical practices and beliefs are influenced by geography and religion. The reading leads us to ask: Are the values central to business ethics universal?

According to the authors, most organizations hold three different kinds of beliefs about themselves: (1) purpose of the business, (2) the organization’s mission, and (3) culture, religion, and ethics-driven beliefs.

For example, watch the following video about Merck and Co.’s fight to control river blindness in Africa.

World Bank group (2014). Treating River Blindness and Other Neglected tropical diseases. YouTube video. Retrieved from http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2014/07/03/forty-years-later-the-extraordinary-river-blindness-partnership-sets-its-sights-on-new-goals. Standard Youtube license.

See the following article if you want to learn more about Merck’s successful donation program of the drug Mectizan to fight river blindness. This is a result of key players from across the world coming together to put ethical beliefs in motion. Merck describes their commitment: “as much as needed, for as long as needed.”

Merck (2019). Over 30 years: the Mectizan donation program. Retrieved from
https://www.merck.com/about/featured-stories/mectizan.html

The case assignment for this module looks at Nike and the ongoing issue of sweatshops. For that assignment, review:

Nike sweatshops: Behind the swoosh. (2011). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1097&v=M5uYCWVfuPQ. YouTube license.

Bain, M. (2017). Nike is facing a new wave of anti-sweatshop protests. Quartz. Retrieved from https://qz.com/1042298/nike-is-facing-a-new-wave-of-anti-sweatshop-protests/

Mintz, S. (May 2012). Social responsibilities of a U.S. company doing business abroad. Retrieved from https://www.ethicssage.com/2012/05/social-responsibilities-of-a-us-company-doing-business-abroad.html

St. Clair, J. (September 2018). Nike’s bad air. Retrieved from https://www.counterpunch.org/2018/09/10/105150/

Module 2 – Case

CULTURE, TIME, AND BUSINESS ETHICS

Assignment Overview

This case assignment for this module looks at an update of Nike and the ongoing issue of sweatshops. The Case is found in:

Byars, S. and Stanberry, Kurt (2018). Impact of Culture and Time on Business Ethics, chapter 5. Business Ethics. Rice University, OpenStax. Retrieved from http://cnx.org/content/col25722/1.3 pg. 138. CC BY 4.0 license

Overseas Manufacturing

How can the purchase of a pair of sneakers be seen as an ethical act? Throughout the 1990s, the U.S. shoe and sportswear manufacturer Nike was widely criticized for subcontracting with factories in China and Southeast Asia that were little more than sweatshops with deplorable working conditions. After responding to the criticisms and demanding that its suppliers improve their workplaces, the company began to redeem itself in the eyes of many and has become a model of business ethics and sustainability. However, questions remain about the relationship between business and government.

For instance, should a company advocate for labor rights, a minimum wage, and unionization in developing countries where it has operations? What responsibility does it have for the welfare of a contractor’s workers in a culture with differing customs? What right does any Western company have to insist that its foreign contractors observe in their factories the protocols required in the West? What, for example, is sacred about an eight-hour workday? When Nike demands that foreign manufacturers observe Western laws and customs about the workplace, arguably this is capitalist imperialism. Not only that, but Western firms will be charged more for concessions regarding factory conditions. Perhaps this is as it should be, but Western consumers must then be prepared to pay more for material goods than in the past.

Some argue that demanding that companies accept these responsibilities imposes cultural standards on another culture through economic pressure. Others insist there should be universal standards of humane employee treatment, and that they must be met regardless of where they come from or who imposes them. But should the market dictate such standards, or should the government?

The rise of artificial intelligence and robotics will complicate this challenge because, in time, they may make offshoring the manufacture and distribution of goods unnecessary. It may be cheaper and more efficient to bring these operations back to developed countries and use robotic systems instead. What would that mean for local cultures and their economies? In Nike’s case, automation is already a concern, particularly as competition from its German rival, Adidas, heats up again.

For the Case 2 assignment review:

Nike sweatshops: Behind the swoosh. (2011). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1097&v=M5uYCWVfuPQ. YouTube license.

And,

Bain, M. (2017). Nike is facing a new wave of anti-sweatshop protests. Quartz. Retrieved from https://qz.com/1042298/nike-is-facing-a-new-wave-of-anti-sweatshop-protests/

Mintz, S. (May 2012). Social responsibilities of a U.S. company doing business abroad. Retrieved from https://www.ethicssage.com/2012/05/social-responsibilities-of-a-us-company-doing-business-abroad.html

St. Clair, J. (September 2018). Nike’s bad air. Retrieved from https://www.counterpunch.org/2018/09/10/105150/

Case Assignment

Address the following in a 3- to 4-page academic essay that demonstrates your critical-thinking skills. It should be written for an audience of employers who are looking to expand their business overseas where labor costs are less than in the U.S. As an ethics expert, you have been asked to address the following:

• Should a company advocate for labor rights, a minimum wage, and unionization in developing countries where it has operations?
• What right does a Western company have to insist that its foreign contractors observe in their factories the protocols required in the West?
• What ethical responsibilities do individual consumers have when dealing with companies that rely on overseas labor?
• Should businesses adopt universal workplace standards about working conditions and employee protections? Why or why not?

This assignment should include third-person voice. Write a well-integrated paper with a strong introduction and conclusion, and use a few section headings (e.g., do not simply follow a Q & A format).

Bring in your Module background information. Whether or not you bring in sources outside of this Module is up to you. For all sources used, provide in-text citations and a references list.

General References Useful for Preparing Graduate-Level Papers:

For a list of general reference sources related to locating library sources, using APA formatting, applying critical-thinking skills, and so forth, see General References Useful for Preparing Graduate-Level Papers. It is not required that you read these sources page-by-page, but rather you use them as guides.

Assignment Expectations

Your submission will be evaluated using the following criteria from the Case grading rubric, located in the Case dropbox:

Assignment-driven criteria: Covers all key elements of the assignment in a substantive way.

Critical thinking: Conceptualizes the problem. Multiple information sources, expert opinion, and assumptions are analyzed, synthesized, and critically evaluated. Logically consistent conclusions are presented with appropriate rationale.

Business writing: Mastery in written communications and a skilled, knowledgeable, and error-free presentation to an appropriately specialized audience.

Effective use of information: Locates relevant and quality sources of information, using strong and compelling content to support ideas, convey understanding of the topic, and shape the whole work.

Citing sources: Mastery using in-text citations of sources, proper format for quotations, and correct format of full-source information in the reference list using APA style (bibliography).

Introduction

This portfolio work project is about one of the basic functions of the finance manager: allocating capital to areas that will increase shareholder value. There are many uses of cash managers can select from, but it is essential that the selected projects are ones that add the most value to the company. This means forecasting the projected cash flows of the projects and employing capital budgeting metrics to determine which project, given the forecast cash flows, gives the firm the best chance to maximize shareholder value.

As a business professional, you are expected to:

• Use capital budgeting tools to compute future project cash flows and compare them to upfront costs.
• Evaluate capital projects and make appropriate decision recommendations.
• Prepare reports and present the evaluation in a way that finance and non-finance stakeholders can understand.

Scenario

You work as a finance manager for Drill Tech, Inc., a mid-sized manufacturing company located in Minnesota. Three capital project requests were identified as potential projects for the company to pursue in the upcoming fiscal year. In the meeting to discuss capital projects, the director of finance (and your boss), Jennifer Davidson, gives you a synopsis of the projects along with this question: Which one of these projects will provide the most shareholder value to the company?

She also tells you that other than what is noted in each project scenario, all other costs will remain constant, and you should remember to only evaluate the incremental changes to cash flows.

The proposed projects for you to review are as follows.

Project A: Major Equipment Purchase

• A new major equipment purchase, which will cost $10 million; however, it is projected to reduce cost of sales by 5% per year for 8 years.
• The equipment is projected to be sold for salvage value estimated to be $500,000 at the end of year 8.
• Being a relatively safe investment, the required rate of return of the project is 8%.
• The equipment will be depreciated at a MACRS 7-year schedule.
• Annual sales for year 1 are projected at $20 million and should stay the same per year for 8 years.
• Before this project, cost of sales has been 60%.
• The marginal corporate tax rate is presumed to be 25%.

Project B: Expansion into Europe

• Expansion into Western Europe has a forecast to increase sales/revenues and cost of sales by 10% per year for 5 years.
• Annual sales for the previous year were $20 million.
• Start-up costs are projected to be $7 million and an upfront needed investment in net working capital of $1 million. The working capital amount will be recouped at the end of year 5.
• Because of the higher European tax rate, the marginal corporate tax rate is presumed to be 30%.
• Being a risky investment, the required rate of return of the project is 12%.

Project C: Marketing/Advertising Campaign

• A major new marketing/advertising campaign, which will cost $2 million per year and last 6 years.
• It is forecast that the campaign will increase sales/revenues and costs of sales by 15% per year.
• Annual sales for the previous year were $20 million.
• The marginal corporate tax rate is presumed to be 25%.
• Being a moderate risk investment, the required rate of return of the project is 10%.

Your Role

You are a finance manager at Drill Tech, Inc., who plays a major role in reviewing capital project requests.

Requirements

Jennifer reiterates that your report is critical for the company to select the project that will bring the most value to shareholders. Your calculations and report should address these items for her and other stakeholders:

• Apply computations of capital budgeting methods to determine the quality of the proposed investments.
  • Use budgeting tools to compute future project cash flows and compare them to upfront costs. Remember to only evaluate the incremental changes to cash flows.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a variety of capital budgeting tools including net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), payback period, and profitability index (PI). The analysis of the capital projects will need to be correctly computed and the resulting decisions rational.
• Evaluate the capital projects using data analysis and applicable metrics that align to the business goal of maximizing shareholder value.
  • Evaluate capital projects and make appropriate decision recommendations. Accurately compare the indicated projects with correct computations of capital budgeting tools and then make rational decisions based on the findings.
• Select the best capital project, based on data analysis and evaluation, that will add the most value for the company.
• Prepare an appropriate evaluation report for requestors, using sound research and data to defend your decision.
  • Justify your decision with a clear analysis showing the findings of the analysis and which project has the best chance to increase shareholder value.
  • Use your calculations and data to provide a clear picture of why your recommendation is the right one. This goes beyond just regurgitating the data. Think about how the data can tell the story that will be meaningful to the readers.

Deliverable Format

For this assessment, create two deliverables:

1. An Excel spreadsheet showing the required cash flow forecasts and capital budgeting tool calculations for each project. Use the same spreadsheet but create separate tabs for each project.
2. A report providing an analysis of the computations, the project selection decision, and justification for the decision, as well as its impact on the value of the firm. The project selection decision must have an analytical rationale to support it.

Report requirements:

• Ensure written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message and quality.
• Use at least three scholarly resources.
• Your report should be between 6 and 8 pages.
• Use 12 point, Times New Roman.

Related company standards:

• Your report is a professional document and should follow the corresponding MBA Academic and Professional Document Guidelines (found in the MBA Program Resources), including single-spaced paragraphs.
• Use APA-formatted references.

Evaluation

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies through corresponding scoring guide criteria:

• Competency 1: Apply the theories, models, and practices of finance to the financial management of an organization.
  • Apply computations of capital budgeting methods to determine the quality of the proposed investments.
• Competency 2: Analyze financing strategies to maximize stakeholder value.
  • Evaluate the capital projects using data analysis and applicable metrics that aligns to the business goals.
• Competency 3: Apply financial analyses to business planning and decision making.
  • Select the best capital project, based on data analysis and evaluation, that will add the most value for the company.
• Competency 5: Communicate financial information with multiple stakeholders.
  • Prepare an appropriate evaluation report for requestors, using sound research and data to defend the decision.

Faculty will use the scoring guide to review your deliverables in the role of your boss and stakeholders. Review the scoring guide prior to developing and submitting your assessment.

ePortfolio

This assessment shows potential employers and clients that you can analyze capital projects to determine whether and how they can provide value to shareholders. Include this in your personal ePortfolio.

Requirements:

Part A

practice set, instructions, data and submission instructions will be available (sometime in week 6) through Resources→Assessment Resources→Assessment Task 3→Assignment 3 Generator Link Part B objective is to enhance students’ engagement in their own learning by reflecting not only on their performance overall in the unit but also on various learning activities while doing assignments within this unit. This assessment activity is focused on developing an understanding of the Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes and in particular your knowledge and skill level with regards to Digital Literacy and Self-management. Your final submission with be as a Word document but should reflect aspects of an Infographic. Background. Graduate employers consistently tell us that they are looking for graduates who display not only technical skills but also those referred to as non-technical or employability skills. Employability skills are what the Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes are based on. These include communication, the ability to work in a team and to learn from mistakes, and Self- management. In this unit, Self-management refers to skills and strategies by which individuals can effectively identify and action learning opportunities and self-improvements to direct their own learning activities toward the achievement of personal and professional learning goals. Self-management skills include:

Digital Literacy, in this unit refers to being able to use a variety of digital media to:

It encompasses a broad range of critical skills to engage in the information-driven world in which we live. This assignment will also help students to develop their skills in the process of collection, selection, curation, direction, evaluation and reflection.

What is reflective practice? Reflective practice is about taking personal responsibility for actions, self-reflecting and critiquing your own performance and identifying and planning future development needs. In order to take personal responsibility for your actions you need to keep items that will act as evidence of this as you work on this unit. You could collect items such as documents used for assessment pieces and their feedback or personal journal entries that you make about your experience in the unit. It could be images that you take of a particular class that you found difficult to comprehend so you might like to take a photo of this as evidence or even a selfie of yourself in the library studying as you might have had a particular good study session and achieved many tasks that day. It can even be evidence of a conversation you had with a staff member who helped you understand an important concept. By having these items that act as evidence you will be able to reflect back on your activity within the unit during the trimester and critique your own performance. Once you have reviewed some of the resources about reflective practice the next stage is deciding what to write down.

Task Requirements:-

Your task is to develop a reflection highlighting the learning you have achieved within this unit, specifically in relation to your Digital Literacy and Self-management skills. You will be required to provide evidence in the form of digital artefacts to support your reflections. Your reflection is to be presented as a Word document (must be limited to 300 words +/- 10%), taking into consideration aspects found in Infographics. It is recommended that you keep records of your thoughts and feelings throughout the trimester on a regular basis, on the development of your Digital Literacy and Self-management skills.

Step 1: Before undertaking the computerised and manual case scenario assessment item, think about your current knowledge and skill level with regard to Digital Literacy and Self-management. Decide whether you are at a beginner, intermediate or advanced knowledge and skill level for both Graduate Learning Outcomes. Record your opinion below by placing a tick in the appropriate cell, and include the table in your final submission, as part of your introduction. You will need to refer to this table when you are writing your final reflection to see how your knowledge and skills have improved.

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

I think my Digital Literacy knowledge and skills are at the following level

I think my Self-management knowledge and skills are at the following level

Provide a justification as to why you think your knowledge and skills are at the level you have indicated.

Step 2: It is a good idea to keep weekly notes on how you feel your knowledge and skills are developing with regards to Digital Literacy and Self-management. Some of the questions you can use to help you think about your knowledge and skills development are included below:

It is not necessary to answer each question each time you write notes to yourself, but it is important that you consider these aspects of your knowledge development. The act of thinking about and answering these questions is known as Reflective Practice. The format these notes take is up to you. Remember to also collect examples of what you are doing regarding Digital Literacy and Self-management and the best examples are to be included in your final submission. These examples will be your artefacts.

Step 3:

Using your notes from step 2 compile your final reflective piece. The reflective piece should tie together the learning experiences that you have completed with regard to Digital Literacy and Self-Management. Reflect on where you performed well as well as where you did not. Within the reflective piece, make reference to the artefacts and the brief reflections that you have collected during the trimester. The references you make to these artefacts should support the claims that you are making about your learning. It is expected that you provide at the minimum 2 artefacts (evidence) that supports both Digital Literacy and Self-Management. In what format should I produce the final reflective piece? The final reflective piece must

be produced as a Word document but presented as an infographic. A sample infographic is provided on the Unit Site that can be used to help develop your final submission. Word Limit: +/- 300 words, double-spaced, 12-point Ariel or Times New Roman font. A word count must be included. Students exceeding the word limitby more than 10% will incur a mark penalty.