A Sample Research Paper on Business/Operations Management
Purpose:
To explore and better understand organizational performance and
effectiveness through an organizational level perspective
Outcomes You Will Meet by Completing This
Project
·
based on an understanding of human behavior,
create and sustain an organizational environment that leads to high performance
·
analyze and respond to leadership challenges
such as decision making, change, conflict resolution, and organizational
commitment in an organization at every level
Instructions
For this assignment, you will research and analyze the
organizational performance and effectiveness of one of the organizations listed
below. You will also propose OB-relevant recommendations for change and
improvement.
You do not need to confirm which company you are analyzing.
However, you must choose one of these companies.
- Southwest
Airlines
- Cargill
- Eli
Lilly
- Adobe
- General
Electric
- Accenture
As you complete the required elements below, make sure to also:
·
research findings of the organization's web
sites (required)
·
us data, information and ideas, particularly
from Weeks 6 and 7 readings/resources, and at least four outside academic or
credible, respected business publications
·
complete a SWOT analysis on the organization
·
document and evaluate OB strategies or
interventions that the organization could use to enhance its overall
performance and effectiveness.
·
propose and evaluated OB-related
recommendations for improvements in the organization.
Research
Review library and Internet resources on one of the approved
organizations before making a selection. Choose from the list and research an
organization based on your level of interest in the subject, applicability to
your job or career goals, what you would like to learn about, and feasibility
for successful performance.
Compose an Executive Summary
Compose the executive summary on its own
separate page. An executive summary captures the key points in one
to three paragraphs, enough to entice the reader to want to read the full
report.
Compose an Introduction
Explain the purpose of this report, beginning
by naming the company chosen and explaining the nature of the analysis to be
performed. Then give only the company history that is
pertinent to the analysis. Keep in mind that it is through the organization’s
history that the internal culture or ‘way’ of conduct develops, so look for
this information
Perform the Analysis
You will perform the analysis using the template located under
Week 8 Content. In completing the analysis, you will do:
- Identify,
analyze and evaluate OB concepts/theories that create an environment (work
and organization design) that leads to high performance.
- Identify,
analyze and evaluate strategies, policies, and procedures relating to
leadership challenges such as decision-making, change, conflict
resolution, and organizational commitment in an organization at every
level.
- Identify,
analyze and evaluate techniques relating to human resources policies and
practices (personal selection, training and development, and performance
evaluation).
- Create
a SWOT analysis using standard four-square format for each component and
bullet points (Google SWOT analysis template for samples) to present
organizational level factors identified and examined in Instructions 3, 4,
and 5.
- Discuss
each SWOT component analyzing and evaluating the organization's environment,
leadership, and human resources policies and practices.
- Create
at least three recommendations, synthesizing key findings and ideas to
maximize ongoing improvements to organizational performance and success.
Review the Paper
Read the paper to ensure all required elements
are present. Use the grading rubric to ensure that you gain the most
points possible for this assignment.
Your analysis should evidence critical thinking skills (review
Bloom’s Taxonomy) in identifying and explaining organizational strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Emphasize course materials and
resources assigned for Weeks 6 and 7; namely, but not limited to, managing
groups and teams, group behavior, work and self-managed teams, communication,
conflict and negotiation, and decision-making, along with outside research
material. Strive for originality and depth. Use examples and research
information to support claims. Use American Psychological Association (APA)
format for in-text citations and the reference list.
Proofread the paper for spelling and
grammatical issues, and third person writing.
·
Read the paper aloud as a first measure;
·
Use the spell and grammar check in Word as a
second measure;
·
Have someone who has excellent English skills
to proof the paper;
·
Consider submitting the paper to the Effective
Writing Center (EWC). The EWC will provide 4-6 areas that may need
improvement.
Submit the paper in the Assignment
Folder (The
assignment submitted to the Assignment Folder will be considered a student’s
final product and therefore ready for grading by the instructor. It is
incumbent upon the student to verify the assignment is the correct
submission. (No exceptions will be considered by the instructor).
How to Set Up the Paper
Use the template provided under Week 8
Content. Use 12-point font. The final product will be between 4-6
pages in length excluding the title page and reference page. Write
clearly and concisely.
Title page (your name, the course name, assignment,
the name of the organization, the date, and instructor’s name)
The body of the paper should consist of the
following format using the template provided under Week 8.
Executive Summary
Introduction
Analysis
Recommendations
Significant Learning
Bibliography
