Identify, analyze and evaluate OB concepts/theories that create an environment (work and organization design) that leads to high performance.
Deliverable:
Approximately 1500-2000 word length single spaced report including a cover page (your name, assignment title, course name, the date, and the professors name) and research references.
Introduction to Assignment
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.
IKEA
Costco
Apple
Amazon
American Airlines
US Department of Homeland Security
You do not need to confirm which company you are analyzing. It will be assumed you will choose one of these companies. Alternative organizations with unique challenges may be selected for analysis but will require instructor approval. Examples would be the privatization of Dell, or an organization for which you have a career-oriented reason. To discuss alternative Final Project topics, post a message under the Ask the Professor discussion board.
Your analysis should include:
an interview, if available, of organizational members, stakeholders, or qualified relevantly-experienced OB experts familiar with your topic
research findings of the organizations web sites
data, information and ideas, particularly from Weeks 6 and 7 readings/resources, and at least four outside academic or credible, respected business publications
a SWOT analysis on the organization.
documented and evaluated OB strategies or interventions that the organization could use to enhance its overall performance and effectiveness.
proposed and evaluated OB-related recommendations for improvements in the organization.
Read and follow all the Instructions carefully. Your analysis should evidence critical thinking skills (review Blooms 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. Use the comprehensive outline format described in Instruction 9 to present your research, findings, analysis, and recommendations.
Instructions
1) Review the assignment purpose, course objective, and introduction above and the grading rubric at the end of these instructions.
2) 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. Focus research on factors described in Instructions 3, 4, and 5.
3) Identify, analyze and evaluate OB concepts/theories that create an environment (work and organization design) that leads to high performance.
4) 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.
5) Identify, analyze and evaluate techniques relating to human resources policies and practices (personal selection, training and development, and performance evaluation).
6) 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.
7) Discuss each SWOT component analyzing and evaluating the organizations environment, leadership, and human resources policies and practices.
8) Create at least three recommendations, synthesizing key findings and ideas to maximize ongoing improvements to organizational performance and success.
9) Draw data, information, and ideas from at least six required resources (at least three from each of Weeks 6 and 7) listed in the weekly content of our classroom, plus at least four credible, authoritative, relevant outside sources for a total of at least ten references. Your outside references should show a mix of scholarly and applied/practical sources, largely drawn from UMUCs Information Library System (ILS), and including classic writings.
