UNLV 2 short peer review answer (

Question

very casual writing, based on personal opinion

1) Operators now face a challenging situation due to the complexities between state and federal laws around cannabis legalization, especially in areas where following rules is crucial, including hospitality and gambling. There are additional levels of complication and uncertainty due to the clash between the federal classification of marijuana as a controlled narcotic and the many state-level legalization initiatives.

The position adopted by regulating agencies, including Nevada’s Gaming Control Board, is indicative of the balance in negotiating these complicated regulations. The strict ban on gaming license holders taking part in state medical marijuana programs, without a change in federal law, emphasizes the regulatory authorities’ dedication to maintaining current national standards despite state laws that are constantly changing.

Businesses like Colorado’s Sky Ute Casino have shown practicality in removing marijuana-related pre-employment tests, indicating a need to adjust to the current reality. This action recognizes that it can be challenging to recruit skilled workers who can pass standard drug tests, especially in areas where marijuana use is legal.

Updates to the law, like Nevada’s Assembly Bill 533, indicate a deliberate effort to bring cannabis laws closer to the gaming industry. Establishing specialized commissions signifies that tensions between these two changing sectors must be addressed and harmonized.

The traditionally strict position taken by the Gaming Control Board demonstrates a dedication to keeping a distinct division between the gaming and cannabis businesses. The decision to deny gaming licenses to those operating cannabis businesses highlights how important it is to protect the integrity of the gaming sector, even if it means being firm about possible conflicts.

Another layer of complexity is the impact of money laundering concerns on the division of the casino and cannabis businesses. The regulatory authorities have adopted a cautious stance, which is reflected in the increased monitoring of funding sources, particularly those associated with the cannabis industry.

The advice for operators to uphold a drug-free workplace culture compliant with state and federal legislation is a sensible and essential step in navigating this complicated legal landscape. A strategy designed to tackle the obstacles presented by the changing legal landscape must include regular assessments, legal compliance audits, and remaining up-to-date on advancements in cannabis law. Enforcing these regulations and providing managers with comprehensive training is essential for guaranteeing equitable and efficient handling of issues about employee cannabis use.

2-3 sentences of feedback on this

2) I agree that a flexible strategy is vital to handle the sophisticated regulations in the casino industry. Marijuana laws are changing rapidly, and even if they become legal nationwide, the decision to eliminate pre-employment testing for marijuana should be made after careful consideration of all relevant factors. In this discussion, my top priority is guest and employee safety, and my second priority is the employee’s ability to perform the job if they use any addictive substances. I would rather not 100% eliminate pre-employment testing for marijuana, but I will set a standard threshold limit for an acceptable amount of marijuana to ensure employees will not be impaired at work. I may also set up workplace impairment policies and communicate clearly with every employee about expectations and consequences. This approach will focus on employees’ ability to perform their jobs effectively rather than their off-duty activities.

How Starbucks Convinced Indians to Embrace Coffee

QUESTION

Happy to work with you again, I have an assignment that I need your help with. As usual, please refrain from using a single word many times.

You will read a case study about Starbucks’ expansion into the Indian market (p. 413 in the textbook).

Respond to, and make decisions, based on the following questions:

What inspired Starbucks to venture into India? What were some of the company’s early concerns and other obstacles? 

How would you describe Starbucks’ approach to entering India and how Starbucks was influenced by cultural differences to adapt its offerings for the Indian market?

Why did Starbucks want to enter India through a joint venture? Specifically, what benefits did Starbucks and the Tara Group both gain by partnering with one another? What synergies were present? What conflicts occurred and how were they resolved?

  1. Now, assume the role of the Director of Starbucks’ Indian strategic planning team. You have been tasked to explore the benefits and challenges of expansion into foreign countries through joint-venture partnerships. Describe the opportunities, benefits, and concerns that Starbucks might face by doing so. Summarize the cultural environment, choose an entry strategy from the text, and describe how you would implement this entry strategy. Make sure you are very detailed in your explanation. 
  2. Based on the lessons learned from Starbucks case study, what lessons would you apply to those implementing Saudi Vision 2030 as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia embarks on this multi-year strategy to attract multinational corporations? 
  3. Essays should have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion, make sure you clearly delineate each section of your answer so it can be matched with the relevant question.
  4. the assignment is required to be five to six pages in length and requires adequate references with course material concepts, principles, and theories from the textbook and at least three scholarly, peer-reviewed journal articles.
  5. Here is a format for you to use to ensure that you have covered what you will be graded on.

Cover page

Introduction

Tell your readers what they will read in your essay.

Starbucks Expansion to India (heading)

What inspired Starbucks to venture into India? What were some of the company’s early concerns and other obstacles? 

Starbucks Approach (heading) 

How would you describe Starbucks’ approach to entering India and how Starbucks was influenced by cultural differences to adapt its offerings for the Indian market?

Starbucks Entry Strategy (heading)

Why did Starbucks want to enter India through a joint venture? Specifically, what benefits did Starbucks and the Tara Group both gain by partnering with one another? What synergies were present? What conflicts occurred and how were they resolved?

Director of Starbucks Indian Strategic Planning Team (heading)

Now, assume the role of the Director of Starbucks’ Indian strategic planning team. You have been tasked to explore the benefits and challenges of expansion into foreign countries through joint-venture partnerships. Describe the opportunities, benefits, and concerns that Starbucks might face by doing so. Summarize the cultural environment, choose an entry strategy from the text, and describe how you would implement this entry strategy. Make sure you are very detailed in your explanation. 

Lessons for Vision 2030 (heading)

Based on the lessons learned from Starbucks case study, what lessons would you apply to those implementing Saudi Vision 2030 as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia embarks on this multi-year strategy to attract multinational corporations?

Response to peer 1

Question

Innovation and R&D Investment: Investing in research and development to continually innovate products or services is crucial. For example, Samsung Electronics has heavily invested in R&D to innovate in the highly competitive electronics and smartphone markets. This strategy is effective because it keeps the company at the forefront of technological advancements, ensuring they consistently meet changing consumer demands.

Diversification of Product Lines and Services: Diversification helps companies reduce dependence on a single market or product. Google (Alphabet Inc.) has successfully diversified from its core search engine business into areas like cloud computing, consumer electronics, and self-driving cars. This strategy is effective as it allows companies to tap into new revenue streams and hedge against market volatility in one sector.

Global Supply Chain Optimization: Efficient supply chain management can significantly reduce costs and improve product availability. IKEA is known for its cost-effective supply chain and inventory management, which allows it to offer affordable furniture globally. This approach is effective because it optimizes operational costs and enhances the ability to serve customers promptly.

Local Market Customization: Customizing products or services to suit local tastes and preferences is key in global markets. KFC, for instance, has successfully adapted its menu in different countries (like offering congee in China and spicy chicken in India) to appeal to local tastes. This strategy is effective as it increases relevance and appeal in diverse markets.

Building a Strong Brand and Customer Loyalty: Establishing a strong brand identity and fostering customer loyalty can be a significant competitive advantage. Starbucks has done this effectively by not just selling coffee, but by offering a consistent and premium customer experience globally. This strategy is effective as it creates an emotional connection with customers, encouraging repeat business.

Leveraging Digital Transformation: Embracing digital technologies to improve operations, marketing, and customer engagement is crucial. Netflix’s shift from DVD rentals to streaming services is a prime example of digital transformation, allowing them to dominate the global streaming market. This strategy is effective as it aligns the company with evolving technological trends and consumer preferences.

Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Engaging in sustainable practices and CSR can enhance brand reputation and customer loyalty. LEGO Group’s commitment to sustainability through initiatives like investing in renewable energy and pledging to make its products more sustainable has bolstered its brand image. This approach is effective as consumers increasingly prefer companies that are socially and environmentally responsible.

To stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in a global industry, companies can:

Engage in Continuous Market Research: Keeping abreast of global market trends, consumer behaviors, and emerging technologies.

Foster a Culture of Innovation: Encouraging employees to experiment and think creatively.

Utilize Big Data and Analytics: Leveraging data analytics to gain insights into market trends and customer preferences.

Participate in Global Networks: Collaborating with international partners, attending global industry conferences, and being active in professional networks.

In summary, the key to achieving sustainable competitive advantage in a global market segment lies in a company’s ability to innovate, diversify, optimize operations, adapt to local markets, build strong brands, embrace digital transformation, and commit to sustainability. Companies like Samsung, Google, IKEA, KFC, Starbucks, Netflix, and LEGO serve as exemplary models in this regard, demonstrating the effectiveness of these strategies in various global industries.

SEU Significance of Performance Management Alignment Discussion

Question

Reply to Performance Management Discussion 1

Q – Please read the discussion below and prepare a Reply to this discussion with comments that further and advance the discussion topic.

Discussion

Performance Management

Performance Management System (PMS) effective examples are as follows:

In the first example, At the start of this year, a company introduced a performance management system for its employees. The system utilized the SMART goal technique to assign specific goals to each individual employee. Furthermore, every quarter of the year, employees received feedback to help them evaluate their performance. In addition, two training programs were organized during the year to provide developmental opportunities for the employees.

Regular feedback, clear goal setting, and access to developmental opportunities are crucial components of an effective performance management system. This system can have a significant impact on organizational performance by promoting employee development and engagement. When employees are provided with these elements, they are more likely to be motivated and committed to their work (Doe, 2020).

In the second example, and to be more specific, a development team has been given an assignment to develop a new product to gain market share. To help the team improve and work better together, we could try gathering feedback from all directions using 360-degree assessments. This can help us understand our strengths and weaknesses as a team. It’s also important to encourage everyone to collaborate with people from different areas of the company and share knowledge, as this can help us come up with new ideas and solutions. When we review performance, we should make sure to recognize and reward people who take risks, think creatively, and solve problems in innovative ways. As a result, A successful product launch can be attributed to various factors such as improved team cohesion, diverse perspectives, and a culture of innovation. When a team works well together and has a shared vision, it can lead to better results. By bringing together people from different backgrounds and encouraging new ideas, a team can foster a culture of innovation that is key to success.

In order for an organization to make the most out of their performance management system (PMS), they need to keep a few things in mind. First, they should ensure that their performance goals align with their overall objectives, so that everyone is working towards the same bigger picture (Locke & Latham, 1990). Additionally, the PMS should be used not just as a tool for evaluation, but also as a way to identify areas where employees can improve and provide them with the necessary feedback and training. It’s also important to establish a culture of open communication where managers and employees can discuss performance throughout the year, not just during annual reviews. To ensure fairness and transparency, clear performance criteria and measurable objectives need to be set, and consistent evaluation procedures should be followed. Finally, the integration of performance management software can help streamline processes, facilitate feedback, and track progress(Boxall & Purcell, 2016).

References 

Boxall, P., & Purcell, J. (2016). Strategy and human resource management. Macmillan International Higher Education.

Doe, J. (2020). Employee Engagement and Development in Modern Organizations. Publisher.

Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (1990). A theory of goal setting & task performance. Prentice-Hall, Inc.

MGT302: Week 2 Case Analysis: Xample Manufacturing Annual Draft Operating Budget

QUESTION

Case Analysis: Xample Manufacturing Annual Draft Operating Budget

[WLO: 2] [CLO: 6]

Prior to beginning work on this assignment, Read A Budget Model for a Small Manufacturing Firm

Read Writing a Case Study Analysis. in the Writing Center.

Review the following Xample Manufacturing Case Study. Using the information and the financial data derived in the Xample case, and after reading Fleming’s article, you will create an annual budget in draft form divided into four periods (Quarter 1, Quarter 2, Quarter 3, and Quarter 4) using the provided budget Xample Manufacturing Operating Budget Template

Xample Manufacturing Case Study
Consider the following scenario: Imagine you are a manager of a small plastic parts manufacturing contracting business, making parts under contract to the electronic consumer goods industry and defense industry companies, and you are in charge of developing a projected annual operating budget.

  • Your budgetary figures are as follows: For fiscal year 2019, your firm received a $3 million contract from Sony to provide small parts for its current Ultra HD Blu-Ray Player, as well as various contracts totaling $1.75 million from other businesses. Xample also has an $180,000 annual contract from Boeing and a contract for small plastic parts from Ratheon, totaling $1.6 million annually.

Your chief financial officer (CFO) has provided you with the following annual expenses:

Xample Manufacturing Expenses

Expense ElementsAmountAnnual Salaries$1.63 millionAnnual Benefits$245,000Annual Rent$760,000Annual Insurance$45,000Annual Depreciation$780,000Annual Overhead$180,000Annual Supplies$96,000Annual Raw Materials$2.6 million

In your paper,

Complete a 12-month operating budget, using the Xample Manufacturing Operating Budget Template

Include the projected net profit (or loss).

Submit your budget with the following summary.

After completing the budget template, please write a two- to three-page summary and include the following:

Explain the process for creating an operating budget and its importance.

Describe how revenues and expenses are grouped for planning and control in the financial statements.

The Case Analysis: Xample Manufacturing Annual Draft Operating Budget paper,

must be three to four double-spaced pages in length (not including title and references pages) and formatted according to APA Style

must include a separate title page with the following in title case:

title of paper in bold font

Space should appear between the title and the rest of the information on the title page.

student’s name

name of institution (The University of Arizona Global Campus)

course name and number

instructor’s name

due date

must utilize academic voice. Review the Academic Voice. resource for additional guidance.

must include an introduction and conclusion paragraph.

Your introduction paragraph needs to end with a clear thesis statement that indicates the purpose of your paper.

For assistance on writing Introductions & Conclusions

must use at least two scholarly or credible sources in addition to the course text.

The Scholarly, Peer-Reviewed, and Other Credible Sources. table offers additional guidance on appropriate source types. If you have questions about whether a specific source is appropriate for this assignment, please contact your instructor. Your instructor has the final say about the appropriateness of a specific source.

To assist you in completing the research required for this assignment, review this Quick and Easy Library Research tutorial, which introduces the University of Arizona Global Campus Library and the research process, and provides some library search tips.

Reply to Gender Impact on Leadership Style and Leadership Effectiveness Discussion 1

QUESTION

Reply to Gender Impact on Leadership Style and Leadership Effectiveness Discussion

Q – Please read the discussion below and prepare a Reply to this discussion post with comments that further and advance the discussion topic.

Please provide the references you used.

Discussion

To present the impact of gender on leadership, we will address five main points: leadership capabilities, gender-preferred leadership styles, leadership behaviors, people’s perceptions, and social leadership. According to Wilkinson, D. (2021), a recent study by researchers from the University of Central Florida and York University analyzed literature to determine if gender affects leadership effectiveness. The study found that male and female leaders are equally effective in leading teams without significant differences. However, some studies suggest that female leaders tend to adopt a democratic leadership style in stressful situations, while male leaders lean towards an autocratic approach. Nonetheless, most research indicates no significant difference in leadership behavior based on gender. There exists a noticeable discrepancy between the emergence of male and female leaders. Despite possessing comparable leadership effectiveness, men are frequently perceived as having more significant leadership potential than women. This bias can be attributed to either subconscious prejudices or sexism. Women are less inclined to nominate themselves for leadership positions due to two main factors. Firstly, female leaders tend to be more cautious than their male counterparts, affecting their decision-making risk tolerance. Secondly, female leaders are also less likely to engage in self-promotion, as they worry about unfavorable feedback or criticism of their leadership style and choices. Furthermore, research indicates that female leaders have less accurate perceptions of how their leadership skills are evaluated by others, which can also contribute to their reduced likelihood of becoming leaders. Additionally, research has shown that women are generally regarded as superior leaders in situations requiring high interpersonal competence and social leadership, where women tend to score higher than men. In my opinion, Leaders should be evaluated based on their skills and suitability, not gender.

As many organizations continue to adopt remote work, it’s crucial to simplify, optimize, and streamline this new work environment. Managing virtual teams requires a different approach, but with a few helpful tips, this period can be stress-free. First and foremost, it’s essential to hire self-motivated and independent individuals and provide them with the support of their virtual team managers. Remote work isn’t suitable for everyone, so choose individuals who can work well in a remote environment. Next, use effective communication technologies to support your team’s success. With many communication options available, choose a style that works best for your team, supporting formal and informal communications. The third step clearly defines responsibilities, goals, duties, and processes. Ensuring everyone understands expectations and agrees. The fourth step involves monitoring results, with metrics to track progress for work-from-home jobs. Management must monitor the timeliness, caliber, and success of job output to keep everyone focused. Finally, it’s recommended that virtual teams meet in person occasionally to foster face-to-face time. One-on-one meetings with supervisors provide opportunities for learning, questions, and support. (Welch, 2023)

References

SEU Enhancing Performance Management A Comprehensive Approach Discussion

Question

Reply to Performance Management Discussion 2

Q – Please read the discussion below and prepare a Reply to this discussion with comments that further and advance the discussion topic.

Please provide the references you used.

Ensure zero plagiarism.

Word limit: 200 to 250 words

Discussion

Performance Management

The performance management system

Performance management is a continual process that encompasses identifying, evaluating, and enhancing individual and team performance in conjunction with an organization’s strategic objectives. This ongoing procedure involves establishing goals and objectives, monitoring performance, and providing continuous feedback and coaching. Managers utilize performance management to ensure that employees’ actions and outcomes align with the company’s objectives, providing the organization a competitive edge. Performance management creates a clear correlation between employee performance and organizational goals, streamlining the understanding of people’s contributions to the organization. (Aguinis, 2023)

Effective performance management is crucial for the success of any business. To better understand this concept, let’s explore some real-life examples of its implementation. Google is widely recognized as a trailblazer in innovative management systems, thanks partly to its commitment to training its managers and leveraging data and analysis to inform their decision-making. Google launched a project to evaluate its managers as part of its performance management efforts. This initiative led to a comprehensive training program and development process to help managers and staff thrive. Additionally, Google relies on a goal-setting methodology called Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), which has proven to be highly effective and has since been adopted by numerous other businesses. (Andreev, 2023)

Also, Cargill, a food producer and distributor based in Minnesota, has over 150,000 employees. The company has implemented an innovative system to replace cumbersome performance reviews. Cargill developed its “Everyday Performance Management” system in response to studies on managers’ frustration with outdated performance management procedures. The method focuses on fostering a positive relationship between employees and managers and integrating daily activities and feedback into problem-solving conversations instead of repeating previous actions. The system is designed to be continuous, and the results have been overwhelmingly positive. According to surveys, 69% of workers found the feedback helpful for their professional development, and 70% felt valued due to the ongoing performance talks with their manager. (Andreev, 2023)

In order to implement an effective performance management system, an organization need to follow the following steps:

  1. Build documentation aligning with your company’s goals, objectives, and culture.
  2. Organize training sessions for managerial staff to explain the continuous performance management process.
  3. Communicate the changes to employees and explain how they will benefit from them.
  4. Managers should observe employee performance and behavior under the new guidelines.
  5. Conduct the first formal review under the new process and discuss the outcome of observations with employees.
  6. Implement necessary training and development to help employees reach their performance goals.
  7. Hold informal catch-up meetings to ensure employees and managers are on track with their obligations and objectives.
  8. Collect anonymous feedback from managers and employees to improve the process.
  9. Assess and implement changes if necessary.
  10. Repeat the cycle and maintain communication with HR if additional support is needed. (Profit.co., 2023)

References

Reply to Poor Employee Performance Discussion 2

QUESTION – QUESTION

Reply to Poor Employee Performance Discussion 2

Q – Please read the discussion below and prepare a Reply to this discussion with comments that further and advance the discussion topic.

Please provide the references you used.

Discussion

Poor Employee Performance

Performance management involves two crucial aspects: an employee’s conduct and achievements and the consequences that stem from those actions. These actions and results are considered “performance” and possess two distinct characteristics. Firstly, they are evaluative, indicating that their impact on personal and organizational efficiency can be harmful, neutral, or positive. Essentially, their value is determined by how much they help achieve individual, team, and corporate goals. Evaluating an employee’s performance involves considering numerous factors and one effective method is using a competency scale with varying proficiency levels. Several elements can affect an individual’s ability to succeed, such as context, knowledge, skills, and personal traits and capabilities, such as cognitive abilities, steady motivation, and physical attributes. Job-related attitudes, adaptable motivation, and knowledge and skills are crucial factors. There are two types of knowledge and skills: declarative, which is information about task requirements, and procedural, which is knowing how to perform a task. When discussing performance management systems, it’s essential to consider the surrounding circumstances, including organizational culture, national culture, HR policies and procedures, leadership, concerns about timing and scheduling, and the resources employees have access to perform their jobs effectively. Furthermore, performance management systems generally measure outcomes or results that are believed to be directly linked to employee actions (Aguinis, 2023).

In my capacity as a former leader, I had the opportunity to observe an employee who was acting out towards his supervisor. Specifically, the employee raised their voice, disregarded instructions, and failed to provide feedback. As a result, I took several steps to address the matter. Firstly, I gathered all relevant information from various sources, including emails, feedback from the supervisor, and input from trusted team members both within and outside of my department. This approach ensured that I was fully prepared for the meeting with the employee. During our meeting, I provided honest feedback on what I had observed. I elucidated how the employee’s conduct would impact the individual, the supervisor, the work environment, and the organization. I also afforded the employee the opportunity to share his feedback and learned that he believed the supervisor was targeting them personally. However, I provided evidence to refute that claim. Together, we established a performance improvement plan encompassing a range of actions, such as anger management and training on understanding different perspectives. Besides, activities were intended to help the employee better comprehend how to lead and cope with work-related challenges. We agreed upon review meetings and criteria for measuring progress, including key performance indicators on providing updates, supervisor and colleague feedback, and observations. As a result, the employee’s conduct and overall performance improved significantly, which is a testament to the efficacy of the performance improvement plan.

In conclusion, enhancing employee performance requires both their willingness to improve and understanding gaps from the manager’s perspective. By addressing both, poor performance can be treated effectively.

References

Aguinis, H. (2023). Performance management (5th ed.). Chicago Business Press. ISBN: 978-1-948426-48-0

Entering a Foreign Market

Question

Entering a Foreign Market Through Exports

[WLOs: 1, 2, 3] [CLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Prior to beginning work on this assignment, read Chapters 20, 21, and 22 assigned this week. 

NOTE: I did the first few I just need the last 4 questions. ITS in bold text and numbered . Attached is my paper.

This paper must be the final version of your Entering a Foreign Market Through Exports: A Rough Draft of Final Paper assignment from Week 2. It should conclude the work you started in Week 2. As a reminder, this is the scenario for your final paper:

High-Tech Tools, Inc. is a company based in Otay Mesa, California. Among other high-tech equipment, the company specializes in manufacturing of the hand-held radar speed gun, a device used to measure the speed of moving objects. The radar speed gun is mostly utilized in law enforcement to measure the speed of moving vehicles. It is also often used in professional sport for measuring bowling speeds in cricket, speed of pitched baseballs, and speed of tennis serves. The company has seen a clear trend in the competition’s exportation of similar goods around the world. As the manager of international logistics for this company, you have been asked by senior management to help identify a foreign country where the High-Tech Tools, Inc.’s export sales of radar speed guns may become successful.

The goal of this paper is to identify a new country for export of high-tech equipment manufactured by an American company and formulate a successful global supply chain management strategy.

Using the material developed for Weeks 1 through 5, write an eight- to ten-page recommendation to High-Tech Tools, Inc.’s senior management advising them of a potential export country based on research conducted throughout this class. Your proposal should start with a one-page executive summary (for assistance, see the Writing Center’s Writing an Executive SummaryLinks to an external site.) that identifies a new export country and provides a concise overview of the key points of your paper. The main points of your proposal must address the following:

Present an executive summary that identifies a new export country.

Describe the benefits of exporting hi-tech equipment to the chosen country from the perspective of international trade theories and economic agreements.

Explain any advantages or deficiencies in a transportation, communication, or utilities infrastructure in the selected country that may affect international logistics operations.

1.Prepare an assessment of the supply chain strengths, weaknesses, and factors of competitive advantage existing in the chosen country.

2.Recommend the sales contract terms related to the method of payment and the use of Incoterms® 2020 rules.

3.Develop a transportation plan for moving goods efficiently and effectively, in an intermodal shipment from the manufacturing facility in Otay Mesa, California to the port of final destination in the chosen country.

4. Explain your rationale for implementing the transportation plan.

Conclude your proposal with an informed decision regarding exporting to the chosen country based on your presented data.

Note that the first three items and the final item above were developed earlier in Week 2 and possibly revised for improvement following your instructor’s feedback.

The Entering a Foreign Market Through Exports final paper

51 Discussion

Question

Background Information

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.(English Standard Version, 2016, Romans 5:1-5)

In your Applied Doctoral Projects, you need to justify yourself. After conducting a robust literature review, guided by your research questions, you will carefully consider the remaining knowledge gaps, and then select a methodology to complete your research. This selection must be robustly defended in your ADP. You will be expected to clearly justify your reasons for making your decision.

But in Christianity, justifying yourself isn’t possible. Virtually every religion teaches that humans, due to their sinful natures and failings, owe a debt to God. This debt must be paid before we are allowed to enjoy the eternal blessings of an afterlife (Heaven). But unlike with other major religions, in Christianity, this debt was paid for us. We were justified by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

We all fall short of God’s standards and are ultimately bankrupt. When a debtor is unable to repay their debts, the lender might choose to forgive those debts. The debtor is released from their obligation, but the cost was never actually paid. Perhaps you have been in this position, where you forgave someone who has wronged you or who owed you money. If you have been in this position, you will likely understand that while you forgave the debt, it wasn’t completely forgotten. It likely changed the nature of your relationship with the person who wronged you.

Justification is something above and beyond simple forgiveness. Jesus Christ, the son of God, through his death, paid off our debt of sin for us. The debt wasn’t just forgiven; instead, it was justified the price has been paid in full! In so doing, Jesus reconciled all of us sinners into a fully restored relationship with God the Father.

Instructions

  1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.
  2. Review the background information provided and seriously consider how it applies to your current relationship with God and your fellow debtors (all humanity).
  3. Access the discussion below and respond to the following questions:
    1. In your ADP, you will be expected to justify your positions not by faith, but by works – With sound reasoning and lots of citation support. How do you feel about this requirement? Is it fair? Why is it important to those who will review your work?
    2. In Christianity, you are justified by faith, not by your works With the recognition your salvation depends on Jesus, not yourself. How do you feel about this reality? Is it fair? Why is it important to Those who will judge your time on earth?