Category: Essays

\When faced with a problem, what do you do to solve it? This assignment asks you to apply a six-step to problem solving process to a specific problem scenario. You will write a paper that presents a synthesis of your ideas about solving the problem using this systematic approach. As Voltaire said, “No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking.”

Choose one (1) of the problem scenarios as a topic choice for your paper (Note: Your professor must approve your topic choice before you begin work on the assignment.)

Scenario 1: You have worked at your company for eleven (11) years. You have returned to college to earn a Bachelor’s degree in order to increase your chances for a promotion. You are nearly finished with your degree, when a supervisor’s position in a competing company becomes available in another state. The start date is in two (2) weeks, during your final exam period for your courses. The position offers a $15,000 per year salary increase, a car allowance, and relocation expenses. Your former supervisor works for the company and is recommending you for the position based on your outstanding job performance; if you want the job, it’s yours. All of the other supervisors at this level in the company have Master’s degrees, so you know that you would be expected to earn your Bachelor’s degree and continue on to a Master’s degree. Your present company offers tuition reimbursement, but the new company does not.

Scenario 2: Your child comes home from school with an assignment sheet for a school project. He / she is very excited about the project and begins work immediately, doing research on the Internet and gathering materials. You read over the assignment sheet and notice that your child is not including all of the required items in the project, and you have some ideas for how to improve the quality of the presentation. You recently read an article in a parenting magazine about the importance of a child developing responsibility for his/ her own learning. You recall the many ways in which your parents took over your school projects. You, on the other hand, want to encourage your child’s confidence in his / her ability to complete a project independently. The next day, you are at the grocery store when you see a parent of a student in your child’s class. That parent has spent over $30 in supplies for the science project and is taking a day off of work to put the pieces of the project together.

Scenario 3: You have two jobs—one during the week from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and one on Saturday from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm. You are taking two classes—one that meets from 6:00 to 10:00 pm, and one class online. You have two kids—one who plays soccer, and one who is in band. You have two elderly parents who no longer drive. You have two siblings—one who lives two (2) miles away, and one who lives in another state. You have two (2) papers due in your classes the same week that one (1) of your children has a soccer tournament, and the other child has a band concert. You are coaching the soccer team, and you are in charge of fundraising for the band. You have a goal to complete your degree in two (2) years. Your doctor tells you that your blood pressure, your cholesterol, and your weight are too high and recommends several medications that cost you nearly $200 per month after your insurance co-pay.

Scenario 4: You are a sales representative for a company that encourages staff to log time in the field and away from the office. You are expected to begin and end your day at the office. You notice that each day when you arrive and return another co-worker is already there, and you wonder whether this person spends most of his / her time at the office. At your weekly sales meeting, you are informed of your co-workers’ outstanding sales performance. You suspect that this co-worker is spending more time flattering the boss instead of working leads in the field, and as a result is getting the best client referrals. Your own sales numbers have steadily decreased since this other sales representative was hired.

Scenario 5: Professor’s Choice – problem scenario presented by your professor.

Scenario 6: Student’s Choice – Problem scenario presented by you.

Review the six-step problem solving process outlined in the webtext, based on the article “The Problem Solving Process” located at http://www.gdrc.org/decision/problem-solve.html:

Step One: Define the problem
Step Two: Analyze the problem
Step Three: Generate options
Step Four: Evaluate options
Step Five: Make your decision
Step Six: Implement and reflect

Write a four to five (4-5) page paper in which you:

1. Define the problem in the scenario that you have chosen.

2. Analyze the problem in the scenario.

3. Generate options for solving the problem in the scenario.

4. Evaluate the options for solving the problem.

5. Decide on the best option for solving the problem.

6. Explain how you will implement the decision made and reflect on whether this option was the most effective.

The paper should follow guidelines for clear and organized writing:

Include an introductory paragraph and concluding paragraph.
Address main ideas in body paragraphs with a topic sentence and supporting sentences.
Adhere to standard rules of English grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA Style format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

You should follow these submission guidelines:

Submit the paper draft to Turnitin.com and then submit the originality report with the draft to Blackboard.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

Recognize the hindrances to the decision-making process in order to apply problem-solving skills to a variety of situations.
Create written work utilizing the concepts of critical thinking.
Use technology and information resources to research issues in critical thinking skills and informal log

For your portfolio project, you will evaluate a fragile (formerly called failed) state and develop a plan to help it recover and get back on the right track. This will involve a survey of the country’s history, the source of its problems, information about its people, economy, and culture, and its potential to succeed if given a chance.

The Global Policy Forum website provides information on fragile/failed states in general, as well as specific states.

ForeignPolicy.com provides the 2014 list of most fragile/failed states. You may choose your country for this study from the countries in dark red on the map at the bottom of the opening page.

General information:

Population of the country (see 1 below for more information)
Important ethnic or racial groups and divisions
Per capita gross domestic product (see 2 below for more information)
UN Human Development Index rankings (see 2 below for more information)
Freedom House scores for political rights and civil liberties (see 3 below for more information)
The economic position of your country compared to other countries (wealthy, poor, middle income).

History:

Provide an overview of the country’s history, focusing on when and why it began to have problems leading to its fragile/failed status.

Classification and structure of government:

Although fragile/failed states lack an effective government, this does not mean that no one is trying to run the country or at least parts of the country. Who is trying to govern your chosen country? How are they attempting to do this?
Are there attempts to hold elections? If so, how are these elections conducted, and what is voter turnout (See 4 below for more information)? When was the most recent election held, and what were the results?

Competition, stability and civil society:

Do political parties exist? If so, what are they, and what role do they play in the country’s problems and/or efforts to provide structure?
Are there any recent political changes?
Major social movements?
Are their divisions or conflicts based on race/religion/culture, etc? Has genocide taken place?
Who provides basic services such as utilities, education, medical care, etc?
What is daily life like for the people?

Economic environment:

Major industries
Natural resources
Other sources of revenue
Reliance on foreign aid.

Other questions:

What are the most important political, economic, environmental and human rights issues facing your country?
Is your country in conflict with its neighbors or other countries?
What are its relations with major global powers ‑- the U.S., Europe, China, etc?

Conclude the paper with your assessment of the country’s future. What could be done to help the country become stable and develop an effective government? Include what the people can do to help themselves, as well as the role that other countries and humanitarian aid groups could play.

Required Resources:

Data can be accessed through the World Bank website.
Data can be found on the website of the UN Human Development Report
Data available at Freedomhouse.org
Data on election turnout available on the website of the Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance

Additional Requirements:

Write a formal eight to ten page essay complete with discussion and citation from at least ten credible academic sources other than required course readings to support your findings. The CSU-Global Library is an excellent place to search for scholarly sources.
In addition, provide a reference list, in alphabetical order by last name of author, in APA format, and include a title page at the beginning.

Research the Internet for an article, publication, or online document written in the last 12 months that describes how DSL and cable modems use multiplexing. Be prepared to discuss.

From the e-Activity, analyze the multiplexing techniques of DSL and cable modem Internet and suggest the one you prefer. Explain your decision.
Compare and contrast the use of leased lines in a WAN or LAN setting. Then recommend what you would use if you were a CIO. Support your response with evidence or examples

Answer these questions in essay format, using the instructions provided in the Assignment Instructions folder. Review the Essay 2 Grading Rubric to see how your essay will be graded.

1. Think of a class outside of your major. Using the Gestalt principle, “The whole is greater than the sum of the parts,” describe your preconceived perception of the class, 3 details that you now know are different from that initial perception, and your continuing perception in spite of the details.

2. In church and in other settings, announcements are made that affect you. Label and describe 4 techniques covered in the textbook which the speaker could use to keep your attention.

3. You have gone through stages of Piaget’s cognitive development, in your professional beliefs and in your theological beliefs. Name and trace the development of any 1 of your beliefs through all 4 stages. Give at least 1 specific characteristic for each stage and use terms from Piaget’s theory. Though you may not remember your cognitive development at every stage, trace what must have happened to you in each stage to allow your current functioning. In relation to this belief, what is the best stage for you to be in now, and why?

4. Think of classes in your major. Name 3 concepts from Vygotsky’s theory and provide examples of how they could help to boost your zone of proximal development (ZPD) for learning in those classes.

Essay 3 Questions

Answer these questions in essay format, using the instructions provided in the Assignment Instructions folder. Review the Essay 3 Grading Rubric to see how your essay will be graded.

Discuss and contrast extrinsic versus intrinsic motivation. Give an example of each type of motivation from your personal experience.

Describe Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Provide an example of a deficiency need overpowering the need for growth.

Attributions can be described in terms of Locus (“place”), temporal stability, and controllability. Give an example of a time you were not able to perform well on a difficult task (a race, a test, etc.). Analyze 2 attributions you made about the situation in terms of locus, stability, and controllability. Explain your answers.

List and define the 7 motivational strategies that are listed in the mnemonic TARGETS. Select 3 of these strategies and give an example of how a teacher would incorporate each into classroom practice to motivate students

This final paper represents five modules of planning, research, writing, and revising. The work you have done on your topic throughout this class has prepared you to proofread and revise your paper a final time before you submit it for grading.

Use the checklist, grading criteria, and other resources in this module to review and revise your work. In particular, be sure to check your work for content and cohesiveness.

Does your paper have a clear argument that is expressed through your thesis statement?
Do all of the paragraphs in your paper work to support that argument?
Have you used appropriate resources to lend support and credibility to your argument?
Does your paper address opposing points of view, and does it respond to those opposing points?

As you conduct your final revision, take into account any feedback you’ve received on earlier pieces of your paper. Also try to put yourself in your readers’ shoes as you review your work. After a number of modules dealing with this topic, you are probably quite familiar with the nuances of your own paper. As you review your work, think about how your essay might be received by someone who is not as familiar with the issues you discuss. Try to make your paper as clear and straightforward as possible so your points can be readily understood.

The final version of your paper should be between 8-10 pages in length and cite at least 8 reliable sources using APA format.

You may utilize the Grading Criteria posted below and the Argumentative Research Essay Checklist to make sure that your work is aligned with the assignment requirements.

GRADING RUBRIC

NO PLAGIARISM–IT WILL BE CHECKED BY TURNITIN!!!!

Checklist
Content: Making a strong and well-supported argument

Introduction and Thesis Statement: You provide an initial paragraph that introduces your topic and provides your thesis statement. Your thesis statement makes an original, clearly defined claim and is consistent with current research on the subject selected.
Main idea (what do you have to say): The main idea is developed through numerous body paragraphs. All paragraphs and all sentences in your paper directly relate to (and support) your thesis statement. Each body paragraph deals with one supporting point for your thesis statement.

Support (what information do you have to back up your main idea): You support your initial claim with credible evidence you have gathered during your research. You have given full credit for any words or ideas that are not your own.

Counter-Arguments (what are the problems with your claim): You present the strongest arguments against your claim, avoiding logical fallacies and faulty reasoning.

Reply to counter-arguments (defending your claim in light of these possible problems): You evaluate each possible objection and reply fully and appropriately. Not all objections can be refuted but all must be addressed.

Audience (who are you writing for): Your word choice and language level show an awareness of your audience. For this assignment, assume that your audience includes the academic and professional community that you are writing about.

Vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation (the way you present the items listed above): You use appropriate language and avoid wordiness while giving the reader all necessary information in strict APA style. You have no spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, apostrophe, or homophone errors.

Paper Format: Components necessary for an APA-compliant paper

Title page (announcing your project—about the paper title, author, sponsoring agency or school): Your title page is double-spaced, as is the rest of the paper. You have a running head and page number. The title is in standard text, is not bolded or in italics, and should be centered on the page. Below the title, include your name and the name of your institution. Dates are not part of the cover for APA papers.

Abstract (giving your audience an overview of your paper’s claim): Your abstract is titled “Abstract” and is in plain text, not bold or italics. It contains 120 words or less and is double-spaced. Your abstract will appear by itself on the second page of your paper.

Parenthetical citations (letting your reader know which references page citation provided the information presented): You correctly cite every claim that is not your own or common knowledge and include all necessary information. If the item cited contains quotes, you use quotation marks and provide a page or paragraph number.

Quotes (ethically using the words of others): You correctly quote and paraphrase using the criteria in your text. You include a page or paragraph number for every quote. If a quote is more than 40 words, you remove the quote marks, block indent five spaces from the left-hand margin, and include the parenthetical citation in the block. Any changes or commentaries you add are indicated by brackets or ellipses.

Reference list (listing only the sources you actually used in your final version of your research paper): Your title (References) and text are in standard form, not bold, italics, or all caps, and your text is in hanging indent format. You have not used authors’ first names, only initials. You have correctly capitalized the titles of your reference works. You have included all needed information for each type of citation according to your text. Your resources are trustworthy and current. You have used the appropriate abbreviations as presented in your text.

Read the Porsche case provided in the course materials section and describe the company’s history, products, and major competitors in a paragraph or two. Assess the financial performance and condition of the organization. Then, conduct a SWOT analysis detailing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that may affect the organization. Finally, assess the quality of the decisions made by the company and provide recommendations for improvement. (NOTE: This will become part of your final paper).

Your paper must be five to six pages in length (excluding the title and reference pages), incorporate at least two scholarly sources from the Ashford University Library (other than the case and textbook), and be formatted according to APA style guidelines as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

In this assessment, students will read the case study provided. Students will then write a paper analyzing the situation with the daughter and father in terms of the following required elements: The expectation is that the analysis is thorough and detailed yet concise. Be sure to make connections between the facts presented in the case study and the information on leadership in the course readings. Students are expected to effectively use a wide range of the course readings in completing the paper, which means the course readings are used to support ideas and reasoning rather than stand-alone statements. In writing this paper, it is necessary to perform an analysis in terms of how and why the daughter or father take a certain course of action. Students are not covering the topics superficially but are required to use the course readings to explain the detail:

Leadership role
Leader as individual
Social architect
Change agent

Ø Include father as a manager with short-term goal orientation
Ø Include daughter as a leader with long-term goal orientation

Relationship builder
How can the daughter and father use the concept of moral compass to give direction to the implementation of a vision and contribute to the success and sustainability of the company?

Required Formatting of the Paper #2:

This report should be double spaced, 12-point font, and five to seven pages in length excluding the title page and reference page;
Include an introduction and a summary paragraph;
Title page with your name, the course name, the date, and instructor’s name;
Use headings;
Writing should be clear and concise;
Write in the third person;
Use APA formatting for in-text citations and reference page. You are expected to paraphrase and not use direct quotes. Deductions will be taken when direct quotes are used and found to be unnecessary;
Outside resources may be used but the majority of the support will come from the course readings with a wide array of readings used;
Submit the paper in the Assignment Folder

Use the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration website and find the area on Registered Apprenticeship. Explore the Employers section. Based on the information found here, create an apprenticeship proposal for a position in the company you work for or wish to work for. In your apprenticeship, make sure to include specific skills the apprentice will be learning, the modeling and practice techniques that will be used, and the feedback process that will be incorporated (both informal and formal). Explain how many hours per week the apprentice will work, and how long the entire apprenticeship should take. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of your apprenticeship program.

Use Microsoft Word to create your proposal. The proposal should be between two to three pages in length, and all sources used need to be cited according to APA format

How are fast tracking and crashing different? How are they similar? Provide examples.

Your essay should be at least 500 words in length and include an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. You are required to use at least your textbook as source material for your response. You must also use one outside source. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations.

Question 2

Leaders can come from all backgrounds, genders, and races. Identify what makes the following individuals effective (or less effective) leaders: President George W. Bush, Microsoft’s Bill Gates, Senator Hillary Clinton, and entertainer Oprah Winfrey.

Your essay should be at least 500 words in length and include an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. You are required to use at least your textbook as source material for your response. You must also use one outside source. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations

There are a number of cellular phone companies each serving their own unique geographical areas. Likewise, they each may use a different technology to transfer communication. Research the pros and cons 3G and 4G technologies and its role in today’s applications.

Write a three to four (3-4) page paper in which you:

Compare the pros and cons of 3G and 4G technology to determine the best uses of 3G and 4G technology in today’s applications.
Describe how an enterprise would use 3G, 4G, WWAN, and WIAMX to improve business. Explain why they would use one (1) solution over the remaining three (3).
Analyze the changes in 4G technology since the printing of the textbook in 2009 and identify those of importance for a user of 4G technology.
Take a position on the following statement, “Wireless application protocol is a necessity for wireless communication organizations and their users.” Then, explain your position with supporting evidence.
Use at least three (3) quality resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as quality resources.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

Compare and contrast among local area and wide area network technologies and architectures.
Use technology and information resources to research issues in communication networks.
Write clearly and concisely about communication networks using proper writing mechanics and technical style conventions