Gb580 Unit 1

Theresa Guillory GB580 – Strategic Management Unit 1 Individual Assignment Professor Stephen Griffith Kaplan University October 28, 2012 My name is Theresa Guillory. I am a single mother of 3 wonderful kids: Gaylon, Dante and Madeline. I am currently employed at Texas School of Business in Houston, Texas. This organization is owned by Kaplan Higher Education. I am the Program Director for the Dental Assistant Program. I have been with the organization for 8 years.While working at TSB, I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Management/Healthcare Emphasis and Masters of Science in Management/Healthcare Emphasis. I am currently working on my Master of Business Administration. I will be complete with my degree in April 2013. Upon completion of this degree, I will get my specialization in Human Resources. My getting this advance education will be critical to the success of my future plans and goals. Mission Statement My future goal is to open my own dental assistant school.My plan is to have a school that will accept those who do not currently hold a high school diploma or GED. To me, these are the people who need the most help to become productive citizens and be able to provide for their families. While they are obtaining this skill (dental assisting); I will also be helping them obtain their GED. A mission statement â€Å"documents the purpose for an organization’s (person’s) existence. Mission statements often contain a code of conduct to guide one in implementing the mission† (De Kluyver & Pearce, 2012). A personal mission statement provides clarity and gives you sense of purpose. It defines who you are and how you will live. My mission statement is: I seek to create a challenging learning environment that encourages high expectations for success through development-appropriate instruction that allows for individual differences and learning styles. I will promote a safe and caring environment. I will strive to have the community and de ntal community actively involved with educating the students. Vision Statement A vision describes some achievement or some future state that the organization will accomplish or realize.It inspires, clarifies, and focuses the work of an organization for a significant time. A vision differs from goals, which express the steps of a plan for accomplishing an objective. A vision differs from a mission statement, which explains an organization’s reasons for existence or for seeking its objectives (Cartwright & Baldwin, 2006). My personal vision for my future plans and goals is structured around four elements that set out the long-term direction for my future – where I want to go and how I am going to get there: I will work to create a better future for the prospective student †¢ I will help people feel good not only about themselves but also about their life by giving them a skill that will be a life-long accomplishment †¢ I will inspire people to take small steps that can add up to a big difference for their future †¢ I will develop new ways of teaching to be able to reach out to the different learning styles of my students My vision will tell the Greater Houston area and surrounding communities that we care about our underserved people. It captures the importance of education and family.Environmental Scanning The environment that I will be operating in is the for-profit proprietary arena. This area has been hard hit the last couple of years as Congress has had an issue with the tuition that most of these types of school charge their students. Also on the talk is the outcome ratio. Both of these will be discussed later. Political Politics play a part in just about everything that is done in world. Starting a for-profit, proprietary school is going to take some knowledge of what the government will and will not let you do.Tuition is one area that will need some attention, as Congress is looking at schools and paying close attention to th eir prices. Does the price of tuition match what the student can make once they have completed the course? I will have to make sure that the price does match. Competition will be steep and in order for me to be successful, I have to have the ultimate advantage. Economic The economy is not in its best state right now and so I will have to make sure that I am putting out a product/service that is not only needed but wanted. One advantage I will go for is getting the money of the government.My focus will be on those individuals who receive government assistance and is looking to better their lives. I will go after those that the government will pay to go back to school and eventually become productive citizens in the community. The medical field is going to be a wide open career path in the future (if not already) and I want to be able to train those to be self-reliant. A person’s economic factor could have an impact on whether they attend school or not. If they are on public as sistance, there is a chance they cannot afford a student loan or a monthly payment. Many of the schools require students to make payments on institutional loans while in school. Many students cannot pay the monthly payments on institutional loans while they are in school and as a result are often terminated from the schools or are denied transcripts† (NCLC, 2011). By them getting help from the government, if is a win-win for everyone. Social The social impacts that I may face are lifestyles and demographics. In today’s society not every child coming out of high school wants to attend a four-year college.For this reason, for-profit school is their best choice. They want to learn a trade and in a short amount of time. This could be because of their home life, their learning habits or the area in which they live. â€Å"Trade schools perform the advertised function. They teach you all of the facets of a specific vocation and prepare you for a job in that field. Afterward, you will have already gained during school to immediately apply for job. When you graduate from a university, often students do not have experience in their field of study† (Vohwinkle, 2012).The fast-track training that the students will receive, will give them the opportunity to get out in the community faster and start making a living for them and their families. Technological Technology is a very growing area and one cannot be successful if they are not up on the latest. In the dental field, most dental offices are now â€Å"digital and paperless†. It will be my responsibility to make sure that I teach my students how to function in a digital environment. In order to do this, I must be proficient in this area.If I will be successful, I must know what new procedures and technology is being used in the dental field. â€Å"Dental technologies have been evolving continually, helping to transform the field of dentistry. New technologies are developed with a focus on crea ting products and developing techniques that can be used by dentists to help prevent, diagnose and/or treat dental conditions and diseases early and effectively† (Ranft, 2006). I am striving to have my graduates come out the box running and ahead of the competition. Strategy and Objectives Reference Cartwright, T. Baldwin, D. (2006). What a vision is. Communicating Your Vision. 2006, p7-10. 4p. Kluyver, C. A. & Pearce, J. A. II (2012). Strategy: A view from the top. (4th ed). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Kim, W. C. & Mauborgne, R. (2005). Blue ocean strategy: How to create uncontested market space and make the competition irrelevant. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press. Ranft, L. (2006). Dental technologies: The leading edge of dental care. Consumer Guide to Dentistry. Ceatus Media Group LLC Student Loan Borrower Assistance. (2011). Retrieved from: http://www. tudentloanborrowerassistance. org/blogs/wp-content/www. studentloanborrowerassistance. org/uploads/Fil e/proprietary-schools-loans. pdf Vohwinkle, J. (2012). Trade Schools vs. Traditional Colleges. Retrieved from: http://financialplan. about. com/od/students/a/Trade-School-Vs-Traditional-Colleges. htm Appendix PEST Analysis Template Situation being analyzed: _____Opening a dental assistant school _____________________ PEST analysis (political, economical, social, and technological) assesses a market, including competitors, from the standpoint of a particular proposition or a business. criteria examples |Political |Economical |criteria examples | |ecological/environmental | | | | |current legislation |Legislature interference |Start-up cost |home economy | |future legislation | | |economy trends | |international legislation |Become accredited with TWC and ACICS |Job placement at end of program |overseas economies | |regulatory bodies and |State exams with the University of Texas | |general taxation | |processes |Dental Branch |Government paid students |taxation specific to | |governme nt policies |Put in bids with the Texas Workforce | |product/services | |government term and change |Commission to acquire potential students | |seasonality issues | |trading policies | | |market/trade cycles | |funding, grants and | | |specific industry factors | |initiatives | | |market routes trends | |home market pressure- groups | | |distribution trends | |international pressure- | | |customer/end-user drivers | |groups | | |interest/ exchange rates | |wars and conflicts | | |international trade and | | | |monetary issues | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |criteria examples |Social |Technological |criteria examples | | | | | | |lifestyle trends |Medical/Dental field is growing |Updated equipment |competing technology | |demographics | | |development | |consumer attitudes and |Service the underserved communities |Updated software |research funding | |opinions | | |associated/dependent | |media views |Be a constant part of the Star of the Sou th| |technologies | |law changes affecting social |Dental Convention for exposure/free | |replacement | |factors |marketing & advertising | |technology/solutions | |brand, company, technology | | maturity of technology | |image |Become accredited with TWC and ACICS | |manufacturing maturity and | |consumer buying patterns | | |capacity | |fashion and role models | | |information and | |major events and influences | | |communications | |buying access and trends | | |consumer buying | |ethnic/religious factors | | |mechanisms/technology | |advertising and publicity | | |technology legislation | |ethical issues | | |innovation potential | | | | |technology access, licensing,| | | | |patents | | | | |intellectual property issues | | | | |global communications | | | | | | | | | | | SWOT Analysis Template Situation being analyzed: _____Self-analysis of SWOT _______________________ criteria examples |Strengths |Weaknesses |criteria examples | | | | | | |Advantages of proposition? |Name is known in the industry, but not as a|New to industry |Disadvantages of proposition? | |Capabilities? |business owner | | | |Competitive advantages? | |Dislike unpredictable environments |Gaps in capabilities? |USP's (unique selling |Advance degrees | |Lack of competitive strength? | |points)? | |Slow to make decisions | | |Resources, Assets, People? |Understanding | |Reputation, presence and | |Experience, knowledge, data? | |Avoids interpersonal irritation |reach? | |Financial reserves, likely |Highly skilled | |Financials? | |returns? |Difficulty sharing |Own known vulnerabilities? | |Marketing – reach, |Day-to-day planner | |Timescales, deadlines and | |distribution, awareness? | |Reserve and distant |pressures? | |Innovative aspects? |In touch with the world | |Cash flow, start-up | |Location and geographical? | | |cash-drain? | |Price, value, quality? | |Continuity, supply chain | |Accreditations, | | |robustness? | |qualifications, | | |Effects on core activities, | |cer tifications? | | |distraction? | |Processes, systems, IT, | | |Reliability of data, plan | |communications? | | |predictability? |Cultural, attitudinal, | | |Morale, commitment, | |behavioural? | | |leadership? | |Management cover, succession? | | |Accreditations, etc? | |Philosophy and values? | | |Processes and systems, etc? | | | | |Management cover, succession? |criteria examples |Opportunities |Threats |criteria examples | | | | | | |Market developments? |Dental/Medical field is growing |Too many schools in this industry |Political effects? | |Competitors' vulnerabilities? | | |Legislative effects? | | |New practices opening constantly |Tuition may be too high |Environmental effects? | |Industry or lifestyle trends? | | |IT developments? | |More people not graduating from high school|Constant updated technology |Competitor intentions – | |Technology development and | | |various? | |innovation? | |Low upfront cash flow |Market demand? | |Global influences? | | |New techno logies, services, | |New markets, vertical, | |Blockage from government agencies |ideas? | |horizontal? | | |Vital contracts and partners? | |Niche target markets? | | | |Geographical, export, import? | | |Sustaining internal | | | | |capabilities? | |New USP's? | | |Obstacles faced? | |Tactics: eg, surprise, major | | |Insurmountable weaknesses? | |contracts? | |Loss of key staff? | |Business and product | | |Sustainable financial | |development? | | |backing? | |Information and research? | | |Economy – home, abroad? | |Partnerships, agencies, | | |Seasonality, weather effects? | |distribution? | | | |Volumes, production, | | | | |economies? | | | | |Seasonal, weather, fashion | | | | |influences? | | | | Strategy Canvas | Competitive Alternative Map |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |    |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |    |   |   |   |   |   | |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |# |Competitive Alternative |My School |Junior College |Trad. College |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |1 |Price |1 |3 |8 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |2 |Location |9 |2 |1 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |3 |Time |2 |5 |5 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |4 |Instructors |10 |5 |5 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |5 |Equipment |8 |10 |10 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |6 |Customer Service |10 |5 |5 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |7 |Motivation |9 |3 |5 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | |

Benefits and Health Risks Associated with Energy giving Drinks Essay

Benefits and Health Risks Associated with Energy giving Drinks - Essay Example Another secondary reason for this report is to understand the reasons why these drinks are used widely by youths or, in other words, and the consumption rate is widespread in youths (Aronson, 2011). A keen study, review, and analysis of the literature reveal that other stimulant and caffeine substances enclosed in these drinks have a positive and direct effect on the users too. The intended impact of energy drinks is to improve performance and provide sustenance, endurance, and concentration. Almost every Manufacturer pitches their products in work fields that require sustained alertness. But these drinks too have got no position in the adolescents and children’s diet (American Academy of Pediatrics, 20110). In addition, frequent or extreme intake of caloric energy drinks can largely enhance the risk for obesity or overweight adolescents and children’s. Discussion regarding educating the ‘users; of this drinks on how to use it appropriately, either by people who p articipates regularly in endurance or high-intensity of vigorous physical activity is the aim of the report (Brown, 2013). Energy drinks are grouped among beverages containing modest to relatively high levels of caffeine concentration, which gives a range of 50–505 mg caffeine/serving; 2.5–35.7 mg caffeine/oz, in comparison with other caffeinated beverages such as 6-ounce cup of coffee that range 77–150 mg; 12.8–25 mg caffeine/oz. In other words, energy â€Å"shots† are low-volume that is, 1–2 oz beverages and hence, records even a higher percentage in caffeine concentration more than other energy drinks (orange 100–350 mg; 90–171 mg caffeine/ oz (Maughan, 2001). The stimulants in these drinks include caffeine that is marketed as a provider of mental and physical stimulation (Brown, 2012). The energy drinks sometimes may or may not be carbonated though some; may also contain sugar or other sweeteners, amino acids, and herbal extracts. They are a subset or a division of the bigger group of energy products that include gels and bars, and distinct from drinks which are advertised to improve and enhance any performance (Millward, 2003).

Arley Merchandise Corporation Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Arley Merchandise Corporation - Case Study Example If the company sought to issue $8 per share in market value of common stock then the earnings per share would be further diluted as if the shares are valued at less than $8 on the stock market at the exercise date. The company does not currently pay dividends and do not expect to pay dividends in the future. It means that shareholders would have to manufacture there own dividends. Selling shares to obtain income (manufacturing dividends) will involve additional costs such as broker fees and therefore does not represent an attractive option for the investors. The ten year note is therefore a more favourable option as it will prevent the company of going outside. The rate of 128% above treasury rate is just 1% higher than the rate of 127% which was offered in January 1983. Although issuing the ten year note increases debt, it does not involve a negotiation of interest rate; neither does it consider the level of debt currently available. Arley Merchandise would only be paying interest o n the notes which is fixed. Interest expense is an allowable deduction for tax purposes. If the company decides to pay divide pay dividend in the future it would be a less advantageous option to investors. Furthermore, the ten year note is a less risky option for investors as they have prior claim over shareholders should the company go into bankruptcy. It would therefore attract more investors to buy the company’s shares. The fact that it pays interest quarterly makes it even better.

3D of shoe and tire impressions in forensic evidence Research Paper

3D of shoe and tire impressions in forensic evidence - Research Paper Example This paper discusses the three-dimensional (3D) impressions of shoe and tire track in forensic evidence. It looks into the value of footprint and tire track evidence, preservation and photographing of the evidence in addition to casting of the impressions. Perpetrators of many crimes usually leave tire track or footwear impressions at the scene of crime. These impressions, if in dirt or mud, can be readily visible, but if on other surfaces, for instance footprints on linoleum, they may be undetectable by the naked eye (Levinson, p1444). Footwear, an example of primary evidence, is very important since on its own, it is potentially conclusive devoid of other strong evidence. There are at least three kinds of footwear evidence including footwear insole impressions, footwear outsole impressions, plus footwear trace evidence. Whenever something physically contacts another, it either takes a portion of the other or else, it leaves a portion of itself - a theory that Edmond Locard developed, and that crime scene investigators as well as physical evidence analysts use. They hold the assumption that since crime perpetrators must enter and exit the scene of crime, there may be traces of their footwear, or in case they used a vehicle, a track o f its tire. To avoid eyewitness recognition and leaving fingerprints, crime perpetrators normally wear masks over their faces along with gloves over their hands respectively. They however make little effort to cover up footwear and tires. Footwear evidence thus, when the investigator of a crime scene appropriately collects and preserves it, and then a footwear expert examines it keenly, becomes an important source of evidence in criminal investigation that helps in proving or disproving an individual’s presence at the scene of offense. Unfortunately, disruption or failing to secure the scene of a crime appropriately may result in the destruction or neglecting of this form of impression evidence.

Learning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Learning - Essay Example Learning experiences present themselves to people in everyday activities through the things they engage in. We encounter different situations in the course of our daily chores helping us learn without our realization. Once one reflects on the occurrences in his/her past life, one can be able to analyze the learning experiences in his life, and appreciate those moments. Throughout the academic semester, for example, I have been able to learn numerous things which have enriched my life immensely. Though some occurred subconsciously, others were instigated by the class assignments I undertook. The English class has offered me numerous opportunities to improve my life through the learning experience. The exchange of materials written by myself and others has profoundly enhanced my perspective of sharing. Sharing can be used as a way of analyzing oneself to find the strengths and weaknesses that exist. Finding the weaknesses in oneself can be an extremely difficult task to achieve. Throug h the criticism, and comments of other people on can be able to analyze himself or herself in a very objective manner. Objectivity in analyzing oneself reduces the probability of becoming paranoid. Critical analysis of oneself can make an individual substantially appreciate the positive and negative comments made by others concerning ones personality or activity. Throughout the semester, I have been exchanging my articles with other students so that they can present to me their views on the articles. The criticisms I received from my colleagues have been essential in developing my writing ability. New ideas have come to my attention through the reviews offered by friends concerning my writing. I have also been able to offer my reviews of others’ style of writing. Through reading their articles, I have been able to get their line of thoughts. This has helped develop my own ability to generate ideas presented in articles I normally write. While interviewing one of my friends ca lled Gideon Park, I came across an intriguing issue which he raised. He believed that structures for essays limited the ideas and creativity for a writer. He believed that the writer at high school level should not be limited to the structure of essay, they should be allowed to write about the topic issued without being restricted by the structures. The issues raised by my friend helped open up my mind. I realized that the issues should be addressed comprehensively to achieve improved creativity of writers. The creativity of writers should be utilized by allowing them to write in their own style. This can also create new writing styles in the English comprehension. Development of the English language can be immensely enhanced by the liberalization of writing styles. Through this discussion, I learnt that, at the university level, this restriction to essay structures was minimal (Tomasello, pg 16). Professors showed more liberalization in the marking of English assignments they issue d than teachers in high schools. Writers were allowed to follow a style of their own liking as long as they handled the topic comprehensively. Professors mark the quality of writing and not the structure as it was the case in high schools. I have been able to interact with people from different places in the world and learn their ways of life. I have realized that the American culture does not only comprise of American. The culture can be termed as a global one since there are extremely many people living in America who are not natives in the country. The effects of increased immigration and emigration have caused people to interact and share cultures. I have been able to learn that the outcome of these interactions has been the phenomenon described as globalization (Bhagwati, pg 156). The effects

BUS law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

BUS law - Essay Example er who is in a vehicle that is legally stopped for traffic violation, as long as the officer has reason to believe that the passenger is armed and dangerous (Richardson 525). This is the standard that is applied to an officer’s pat down passenger during a traffic stop. The stop starts the moment a vehicle is pulled over by police officers for the purpose of investigation following a traffic violation. During the stop the police officers present may lawfully seize the occupants of the vehicle for the entire duration of the stop (526). There is no search warrant required in conducting a pat down during a traffic stop. The search and pat down can proceed solely on the basis of probable cause provided the police officer reasonably suspects that the passenger may be armed and dangerous (525). If the suspicion is short of probable cause, it would not be sufficient to warrant a search on the driver or passenger because that would be infringing on their personal rights and freedoms which are protected by the constitution (536). Richardson, Mark R. The Vulnerable Passenger: An Analysis of the Constitutionality of Terry Frisking Vehicle Passengers Not Suspected of Criminal Activity in Arizona v. Johnson, 129 S. Ct. 781 (2009), 89 Neb. L. Rev. (2010) Available at:

Premartial Cohabitation and Marital Instability Essay

Premartial Cohabitation and Marital Instability - Essay Example Conflicts would then arise after several weeks when both discover that their assumptions are different and they have differences on views about certain issues. These differences in views can result in arguments and emotional conflicts which were not expected during the period of courtship. According to Markman (1993) "The reality is that while couples may seem to get along "OK" and while a man and woman may be "in love," it takes more than love to build a lasting, satisfying marriage. It takes an understanding of each other and of the dynamics of intimate relationships as well as the ability to effectively use relationship skills. Couples that participate in marriage preparation seem to have a higher degree of marital satisfaction and a lower divorce rate." There are many beliefs that give false assurance to couples that their marriage would work out in the long run. Those who cohabitate before marriage believe that having lived together gives them an edge in their relationship, perhaps knowing as much about themselves and their partners even prior to exchanging vows. However, research has shown that couples who have lived together have higher chances of divorcing. The reasons for this are not well understood but it is possible that people who are willing to live together are also more willing to get divorced. Evidence shows that cohabitation also develops attitudes which make people more receptive to divorce, such as the attitude that the relationship is temporary and can be dissolved (DeMaris and Rao 2000). Other believe that having children strengthens relationships. Studies have shown that the most stressful period in marriage is after the first child is born. Although couples who have children together have decreased risk of getting divorced, the decrease in the risk factor is only much lower than the time when parents were more likely to stay within the marriage "for the sake of the children" (Pape 1992). It is also believed that children who grew up in broken homes are more cautious about marital relationships and are strongly determined to avoid the possibility of divorce. It is popularly believed that those from broken homes lead successful married lives similar to those who come from intact families. However, studies show that there is a higher rate of divorce among children from broken homes than those from intact families. An explanation to this is that children learn about marital commitment and stability from their parents and those who come from broken homes have their sense of commitment and permanence compromised by their parents' divorce (Amato 2001). According to Gottman, professor of psychology at the University of Washington in Seattle, it is what is considered "mundane" in life that creates the love in marriage. The connections established by couples in the numerous "mindless" moments result in positive emotional climates. Gottman published his findings after 14 years following 670 couples and monitoring their bodily responses using video cameras and sensors. He can somehow predict whether a couple would stay together or separate after a 30-minute interview (Marano, 1997). Dr. David Schnarch, who together with his wife Dr. Ruth Morehouse, describes their counselling practice: "Our approach focuses on people's adult strengths rather than their childhood wounds because what's good and solid in us is