Managerial Decision Making Research and Analysis
Research a specific company of your choice and identify some of the managerial decisions that were made over time and in response to changes in its market or competitive environment. Use the Ashford University Library and web-based sources for your research. At least three external scholarly sources must be used in addition to the textbook.
Address all of the following areas:
Describe the company and provide a brief history of its operations. Find or use graphs to illustrate its financial performance over the years.
Describe any sources of risk or uncertainty in its operations. Do the financial reports indicate risky or uncertain activities or changes to the economic environment that ultimately appear to have affected the company’s financial outcomes? Be specific.
Are there any government regulations that have affected this company’s operations domestically or abroad? Explain.
Describe the inputs that are used in this company’s production function and identify any challenges to securing these inputs.
Determine if the company has introduced new products in existing markets or created new markets over time. What is the impact on its finances?
Determine if the price of its products increased or declined over time and analyze the reasons for price fluctuations. Study the demand elasticity for its products and discuss the availability of close substitutes for its products. How does that affect pricing decisions?
Analyze the company’s profitability. Identify the economy or industry influences on its costs, operations, and profitability.
Describe the competitive environment in which the firm operates, the distribution of market power, and the strategic behavior of the firm and its competitors. Apply your knowledge of the theory of this company’s market structure. How does the company make pricing and production decisions? Is your observation supported by the theoretical models? Refer to the financial reports for illustration.
Describe any non-price competitive strategies that the company might be engaging in. Provide specific examples.
Evaluate if the company made any mistakes in its decisions over time, and recommend any changes or improvements for future operations. Refer to the financial reports when making specific observations or recommendations..
Use economic language and demonstrate your understanding of the concepts and theories of this course.
Writing the Final Paper
The Final Paper:
Must be 8 to 10 double-spaced pages in length (excluding including the title and reference pages), and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Must include a title page with the following:
Title of paper
Student’s name
Course name and number
Instructor’s name
Date submitted
Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement which identifies the focus of the paper.
Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
Must use at least three scholarly sources, in addition to the text.
Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Reference:
Douglas, E. (2012). Managerial Economics (1st ed.). San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education.
Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.
Total Possible Score: 25.00
Provides an Introduction and a Conclusion
Total: 2.00
Distinguished – Provides a well-organized introduction with sufficient background on the topic, a fully developed thesis statement, and a logical conclusion.
Proficient – Provides an organized introduction with background on the topic, a thesis statement, and a conclusion. Minor details are missing.
Basic – Provides an introduction with background on the topic, a thesis statement, and a conclusion. Relevant details are missing.
Below Expectations – Attempts to provide an introduction with background on the topic, a thesis statement, and a conclusion; however, significant details are missing.
Non-Performance – The introduction and the conclusion are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.
Describes the Company and Provides a Brief History of Its Operations
Total: 1.00
Distinguished – Thoroughly describes the company and provides a relevant and brief history of its operations. Effectively uses graphs to illustrate its financial performance.
Proficient – Describes the company and provides a brief history of its operations, using graphs to illustrate its financial performance. Minor details are missing.
Basic – Partially describes the company and provides a brief history of its operations, somewhat using graphs to illustrate its financial performance. Relevant details are missing.
Below Expectations – Minimally describes the company and provides a brief history of its operations. Does not use graphs to illustrate its financial performance and/or significant details are missing.
Non-Performance – The description of the company and a history of its operations is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.
Describes Sources of Risk or Uncertainty in Its Operations
Total: 2.00
Distinguished – Thoroughly describes sources of risk or uncertainty in its operations.
Proficient – Describes sources of risk or uncertainty in its operations, but minor details are missing.
Basic – Partially describes sources of risk or uncertainty in its operations. Relevant details are missing.
Below Expectations – Attempts to describe sources of risk or uncertainty in its operations, but significant details are missing.
Non-Performance – The description of sources of risk or uncertainty in its operations is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.
Discusses Government Regulations that Have Affected the Company’s Operations
Total: 1.00
Distinguished – Thoroughly discusses government regulations that have affected the company’s operations.
Proficient – Discusses government regulations that have affected the company’s operations, but minor details are missing.
Basic – Partially discusses government regulations that have affected the company’s operations. Relevant details are missing.
Below Expectations – Attempts to discuss government regulations that have affected the company’s operations, but significant details are missing.
Non-Performance – The discussion of government regulations is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.
Describes the Inputs that are Used in This Company’s Production Function and Identifies Any Challenges to Securing These Inputs
Total: 2.00
Distinguished – Thoroughly describes the inputs that are used in this company’s production function and identifies any challenges to securing these inputs.
Proficient – Describes the inputs that are used in this company’s production function and identifies any challenges to securing these inputs, but minor details are missing.
Basic – Partially describes the inputs that are used in this company’s production function and identifies any challenges to securing these inputs. Relevant details are missing.
Below Expectations – Attempts to describe the inputs that are used in this company’s production function and identify any challenges to securing these inputs, but significant details are missing.
Non-Performance – The description of the inputs that are used in this company’s production and the identification of any challenges to securing these inputs are either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.
Determines If the Company Has Introduced New Products in Existing Markets or Created New Markets Over Time, and Describes the Impact on its Finances
Total: 2.00
Distinguished – Determines if the company has introduced new products in existing markets or created new markets over time, and thoroughly describes the impact on its finances.
Proficient – Determines if the company has introduced new products in existing markets or created new markets over time, and describes the impact on its finances, but minor details are missing.
Basic – Determines if the company has introduced new products in existing markets or created new markets over time, and somewhat describes the impact on its finances. Relevant details are missing.
Below Expectations – Determines if the company has introduced new products in existing markets or created new markets over time, and minimally describes the impact on its finances. Significant details are missing.
Non-Performance – The determination of whether the company has introduced new products in existing markets or created new markets over time and description of the impact on its finances are either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.
Determines If the Price of its Products Fluctuated Over Time and Analyzes the Reasons for Price Fluctuations
Total: 2.00
Distinguished – Determines if the price of its products fluctuated over time and thoroughly analyzes the reasons for price fluctuations.
Proficient – Determines if the price of its products fluctuated over time and analyzes the reasons for price fluctuations, but minor details are missing.
Basic – Determines if the price of its products fluctuated over time and analyzes the reasons for price fluctuations. Relevant details are missing.
Below Expectations – Determines if the price of its products fluctuated over time and attempts to analyze the reasons for price fluctuations, but significant details are missing.
Non-Performance – The determination of whether the price of its products fluctuated over time and the analysis of the reasons for price fluctuations are either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.
Analyzes the Company’s Profitability and Identifies the Economy or Industry Influences on its Costs, Operations, and Profitability
Total: 2.00
Distinguished – Thoroughly analyzes the company’s profitability; and identifies the economy or industry influences on its costs, operations, and profitability.
Proficient – Analyzes the company’s profitability; and identifies the economy or industry influences on its costs, operations, and profitability, but minor details are missing.
Basic – Partially analyzes the company’s profitability; and identifies the economy or industry influences on its costs, operations, and profitability. Relevant details are missing.
Below Expectations – Attempts to analyze the company’s profitability and identify the economy or industry influences on its costs, operations, and profitability, but significant details are missing.
Non-Performance – The analysis of the company’s profitability and the identification of the economy or industry influences on its costs, operations, and profitability are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.
Describes the Competitive Environment in Which the Firm Operates, the Distribution of Market Power, and the Strategic Behavior of the Firm and Its Competitors
Total: 2.00
Distinguished – Thoroughly describes the competitive environment in which the firm operates, the distribution of market power, and the strategic behavior of the firm and its competitors.
Proficient – Describes the competitive environment in which the firm operates, the distribution of market power, and the strategic behavior of the firm and its competitors, but minor details are missing.
Basic – Partially describes the competitive environment in which the firm operates, the distribution of market power, and the strategic behavior of the firm and its competitors. Relevant details are missing.
Below Expectations – Minimally describes the competitive environment in which the firm operates, the distribution of market power, and the strategic behavior of the firm and its competitors, but significant details are missing.
Non-Performance – The description of the competitive environment, the distribution of market power, and the strategic behavior of the firm and its competitors is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.
Describes Any Non-Price Competitive Strategies in which the Company Might Be Engaging
Total: 1.00
Distinguished – Thoroughly describes any non-price competitive strategies in which the company might be engaging.
Proficient – Describes any non-price competitive strategies in which the company might be engaging, but minor details are missing.
Basic – Partially describes any non-price competitive strategies in which the company might be engaging. Relevant details are missing.
Below Expectations – Attempts to describe any non-price competitive strategies in which the company might be engaging, but significant details are missing.
Non-Performance – The description of any non-price competitive strategies in which the company might be engaging is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.
Evaluates If the Company Made Any Mistakes in its Decisions Over Time, and Recommends Any Changes or Improvements for Future Operations
Total: 1.00
Distinguished – Thoroughly evaluates the company’s mistakes in its decisions over time, and recommends any changes or improvements for future operations.
Proficient – Evaluates the company’s mistakes in its decisions over time, and recommends any changes or improvements for future operations, but minor details are missing.
Basic – Partially evaluates the company’s mistakes in its decisions over time, and recommends any changes or improvements for future operations. Relevant details are missing.
Below Expectations – Attempts to evaluate the company’s mistakes in its decisions over time and recommend any changes or improvements for future operations, but significant details are missing.
Non-Performance – The evaluation of the company’s mistakes in its decisions over time and the recommendation of any changes or improvements for future operations are either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.
Critical Thinking: Explanation of Issues
Total: 2.30
Distinguished – Clearly and comprehensively explains in detail the issue to be considered, delivering all relevant information necessary for a full understanding.
Proficient – Clearly explains in detail the issue to be considered, delivering enough relevant information for an adequate understanding.
Basic – Briefly recognizes the issue to be considered, delivering minimal information for a basic understanding.
Below Expectations – Briefly recognizes the issue to be considered, but may not deliver additional information necessary for a basic understanding.
Non-Performance – The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.
Written Communication: Content Development
Total: 1.00
Distinguished – Uses appropriate, pertinent, and persuasive content to discover and develop sophisticated ideas within the context of the discipline, shaping the work as a whole.
Proficient – Uses appropriate and pertinent content to discover ideas within the context of the discipline, shaping the work as a whole.
Basic – Uses appropriate and pertinent content, but does not apply it toward discovering or developing ideas. Overall, content assists in shaping the written work.
Below Expectations – Uses content, though it may be unrelated or inappropriate to the topic. Content does not contribute toward the development of the written work, and may distract the reader from its purpose.
Non-Performance – The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.
Written Communication: Context of and Purpose for Writing
Total: 1.00
Distinguished – Demonstrates methodical application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is evident and easy to understand. Summaries, quotes, and/or paraphrases fit naturally into the sentences and paragraphs. Paper flows smoothly.
Proficient – Demonstrates sufficient application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is, for the most part, clear and easy to understand. There are some problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper flows somewhat smoothly.
Basic – Demonstrates a limited understanding of organization and presentation of content in written work. The purpose of the writing is somewhat evident, but may not be integrated throughout the assignment. There are many problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly in all sections.
Below Expectations – Organization and presentation of content is extremely limited. The purpose of the writing is unclear. There is little or no blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly when read.
Non-Performance – The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.
Written Communication: Control of Syntax and Mechanics
Total: 0.68
Distinguished – Displays meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains no errors, and is very easy to understand.
Proficient – Displays comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains only a few minor errors, and is mostly easy to understand.
Basic – Displays basic comprehension of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains a few errors, which may slightly distract the reader.
Below Expectations – Fails to display basic comprehension of syntax or mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains major errors, which distract the reader.
Non-Performance – The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.
Written Communication: APA Formatting
Total: 0.68
Distinguished – Accurately uses APA formatting consistently throughout the paper, title page, and reference page.
Proficient – Exhibits APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout contains a few minor errors.
Basic – Exhibits basic knowledge of APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout does not meet all APA requirements.
Below Expectations – Fails to exhibit basic knowledge of APA formatting. There are frequent errors, making the layout difficult to distinguish as APA.
Non-Performance – The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.
Written Communication: Page Requirement
Total: 0.67
Distinguished – The length of the paper is equivalent to the required number of correctly formatted pages.
Proficient – The length of the paper is nearly equivalent to the required number of correctly formatted pages.
Basic – The length of the paper is equivalent to at least three quarters of the required number of correctly formatted pages.
Below Expectations – The length of the paper is equivalent to at least one half of the required number of correctly formatted pages.
Non-Performance – The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.
Written Communication: Source Requirement
Total: 0.67
Distinguished – Uses more than the required number of scholarly sources, providing compelling evidence to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.
Proficient – Uses required number of scholarly sources to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.
Basic – Uses less than the required number of sources to support ideas. Some sources may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are used within the body of the assignment. Citations may not be formatted correctly.
Below Expectations – Uses inadequate number of sources that provide little or no support for ideas. Sources used may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are not used within the body of the assignment. Citations are not formatted correctly.
Non-Performance – The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions
