University of Charleston BUSI 151 Workbook: Assignments

This document is a comprehensive workbook for BUSI 151, Introduction to Business, encompassing discussion questions, teaming assignments, and learning journal entries. The workbook guides students through critical analysis of business environments, with a focus on companies like Disney and GE, examining economic, legal, technological, competitive, social, and global factors. It requires students to engage in discussions, analyze team dynamics, and reflect on their leadership development through journaling, connecting course concepts to real-world experiences and personal growth. The assignments emphasize critical thinking, application of business vocabulary, and the integration of ethical principles within the context of organizational leadership.

Learning in action workbook
BUSI 151 – Introduction to Business

BUSI 151 Introduction to Business – Learning in Action Workbook
Learning in Action Workbook
Instructions
Start your Learning in Action Workbook
You will be using this workbook for discussion notes and analysis, teaming activities,
and journal exercises.
Start by saving this document as YourName-BUSI-151-Workbook.doc and use the same
saved copy for ALL Workbook exercises.
Discussion Questions
Discussion questions provide an opportunity for you to think critically about the concepts
presented and to discuss the concepts with other people within your environment.
Essentially, even though you may be the only student within your physical environment
you engage others within that environment to create your own learning community. You
may or may not choose to make this explicit to the others.
This course activity creates opportunities for you to practice critical thinking and
analysis, articulate and defend your positions, considering different points of view, and
evaluate information.
After considering the discussion question prompt, engage in a conversation with people
within your environment to elicit their thoughts on the topic. Be mindful of using
communication skills such as active listening, congruent sending, framing, and
paraphrasing. Practice engaging in a dialectical discussion without debate or argument.
Make an analysis of (not just a report of) the conversation in a one-page paper including
the perspective and when possible the rationale of all the people involved. APA
guidelines should be followed.
Your analysis will be graded on substance and thoughtfulness, and should reflect
appropriate application of emerging knowledge and vocabulary in the topic area.
University of Charleston encourages frank and insightful dialogue in all online courses.
Diversity has many manifestations including diversity of thought, opinion, and values.
We encourage all students to be respectful of that diversity and to refrain from
inappropriate commentary.
Format for Discussion Questions:
1. Read the question carefully. Consider the question in relation to its theoretical
context. State your answer to the question, “What do you think?”
2. State why you think what you think. Provide clear and credible evidence to support
your response.
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3. Demonstrate critical thinking and analysis. Discuss at a critical level, don’t just recite
facts from your reading, discussion, or class experience.
4. Examine and reflect upon your own experiences, beliefs, and knowledge that can be
integrated to support your response. Students should seek to elevate the discussion.
5. Identify and cite references or links to scholarly resources to reinforce your position.
Have a conversation:
1. Have a conversation with one or more people in your environment.
2. This is not to agree or disagree but rather to explore the topic. Explore support for
each person’s position and rationale. Always be professional and respectful to your
classmates.
3. Add value to the discussion by integrating real-world experiences, respectfully
challenging individuals, and asking questions. Ask open-ended questions, rather than
questions that can be answered with yes or no. These questions encourage dialogue
and move the discussion forward.
4. Avoid using unsupported personal opinions or generalizations.
Paper Expectations:
1. Your writing must demonstrate your understanding of the topic.
2. Connections between course content, assigned readings, and the discussion topic
should be demonstrated.
3. Critical discussion includes your opinion, the reasons you had that opinion, and why
it may be consistent or inconsistent with what you’ve learned. Justify your reasoning
with facts. How does what you are presenting affect present and future situations?
4. Relate new information with material covered in previous classes, additional
readings, and content learned outside of the class.
5. List all references related to the discussion question or replying.
Teaming Assignments – Observation and Analysis
Although you may be the only UC student in your environment, it is probable that you
will be a member of a work or project team or collaboration. This assignment asks that
you make observations and analysis of your team participation and function.
Many teams support active participation by encouraging members to state and defend
their point of view and make inquiry to better understand the viewpoints and reasoning of
others.
Observation and Analysis Summary - Following team discussions, write a one-page
summary that discusses and analyzes team engagement. This assignment is to help you
see how you team and collaborate with others in context to course concepts. In what way
do you contribute to or detract from the team. Things to consider may include:
 Identity, Ethics, Values & Beliefs, Behavior
 Challenge and Support
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 Socio-cultural Aspects (Dominant Narrative)
 Vision & Intention, Strategy & Plans, Actions, Outcomes
 Structures, Systems, and Culture
 Interpersonal communication, Conflict, and Problem Solving
Learning in Action Journal (Reflection): Thinking about your Thinking
Journaling is a lifelong learning habit. Each week, you will reflect and think about your
thinking. You will explore how the readings relate to present and past experiences. You
will keep this journal throughout this program, adding a new (dated) entry each week.
You may choose to focus on the option located here at the end of each seminar in the
syllabus or a concept of your own choosing in your journal.
The purpose of writing and keeping a personal/professional journal is to open an
opportunity for you to reflect on this course and its meaning This includes exploring the
new information, the way you relate to the information, and the way you connect what
you apply what you have learned (theory to practice). When writing a journal entry,
consider the reading materials, discussion questions and interactions with other people.
team chats, and discussion questions. Then consider:
1. How have these sessions helped you explore yourself as a person?
a. What habits of mind, points of view, and perspectives do you hold?
i. Where did these come from and who influenced them (parents, friends,
workplace)?
2. What have you learned about yourself because of this self-exploration?
a. Have you become aware of any patterns of expectation based on your
experiences? What can you now see in terms of your intuition, patterns and
pattern contradictions?
i. Where did these come from and who influenced them (parents, friends,
workplace)?
b. How does this relate to your needs, relationships, and values and beliefs?
i. Where did these come from and who influenced them (parents, friends,
workplace)?
3. “How has this lesson(s) helped you grow as a leader?
a. Consider implications or influences to your identity, ethics, behaviors, and
values and beliefs.
4. How will the meaning you have made from this new learning influence your future
work?
a. Consider your vision, strategy and goals.
b. Consider the work environments including structures, systems, and socio-
cultural aspects.
Please indicate both positive and negative experiences; all of your perceptions are
important and can provide you with learning and insights about yourself.
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Some weeks may include specific prompts while others will be open-ended allowing
students to explore topics that resonated with them individually.
Journal Assignment Expectations:
First paragraph (Overview)
Provide an overview of the assignment instruction or topic from syllabus.
What (Observation and Reflection)
Take one area of your readings, discussions, or experiences and provide enough
background for the faculty to understand the context. Share your reflections of the
situation or event (what happened, who was involved, what was the outcome), and make
connections to your real-world environment.
So What (Reflection and Introspection)
This is the section where you look inside yourself and objectively assess your thoughts,
emotions, words, and actions. Take a balcony view (as if you are in the balcony watching
yourself on stage) in seeing how your perspective, thinking, and behavior may have
affected others. What is the importance to you, to others and to your unit or department.
How does this relate to the context of this class? How might the outcome change if your
actions were different. Explain your reasoning.
Now What (Leader Development)
How has your understanding of yourself and leadership changed? What two or three
actions will you take because of your ‘what’ (observation) and ‘so what’ (reflection and
introspection)?
Final Paragraph (Summary or Conclusion)
Summarize your final thoughts on this week’s assignments and your insights from this
journal.
Additional Guidelines:
1. Use the format above. References and citations are not required but helpful.
2. Your journal should be about one page long with a minimum of 200 and
maximum of 400 words.
3. Correct grammar, punctuation and sentence structure is required.
4. Review the journal rubric for more specifics on how your journal will be graded.
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Seminar #1 – Case overview - Disney and GE: Discussion Question
Review (skim) the annual report for Disney and GE and then:
 Refer to Figure 1:3 and pages 29-37 of the text. Evaluate Disney or GE in terms of the
five elements in the business environment.
 Discuss the factors that either help or hinder the development of your chosen company.
Discussion Analysis Paper
Regardless of the nature of operations of a company there are certain factors that determine the
sustainability of company in the long run. The core elements of the business environment must
be analyzed effectively in order to develop understanding regarding the issues that could
possibly hinder the operations of the company. Hence, it can be said the latter are factors that
must be analyzed in order to effectively develop strategies and determine the proceedings of
the company. The business environment of a particular market is the assimilation of aspects
such as the economic and legal environment, the technological environment, the competitive
environment, the social environment and the global business environment.
The economic factors determine the economic proceedings that are being carried out in the
particular market. The economy of a country are factors such as the national income of the
place, the per capita income of the citizens of the country, the employment scenario of the
country and economic develop of the market in accordance with the development of the
infrastructural framework of the market in which the company is operating in. The latter can
be coupled with the legal factors that are present within the market that are operating in. There
are various legal frameworks and structures that must be complied with by companies in order
to increase the effectiveness of operations of the company.
Employment is an issue that the United States has been suffering from. The Gross Domestic
Product of the country is deemed to be rising with the help of numerous industries bolstering
in the country. However, the rate of unemployment has supposedly risen which taken a toll on
the economy of the country. However, there has been rise in terms of the FDI generation
towards the country. Both Disney and General Electric have a base of employee who should
be able to sustain the nature of activities with the help of which the company can sustain the
activities in accordance with the economic conditions that prevail in the country. Furthermore,
the legal framework and the legal aspects that are needed to be catered to while gaining
favorable nature of outcomes in the industry that is deemed to be rapidly changing and
competitive in nature.
Technology is a factor that has been bolstered in the industry that Disney and General Electric
are operating in. Huge sum of capital has been invested in research and development with the
aim of bolstering the innovation that is being carried out in the market. Technology is a factor
that has been prioritized in country as a result of which companies are likely to gain favorable
outcomes with the help of which the company can increase competency in terms of
development of disruptive technology. General Electric is a company that is based on
technology. Thus, the environment in which the company is operating in helps in gaining
favorable outcomes that help in sustaining the activities with the environment that exist.
Disney as a company is dependent on technology for the regular operations of the company.
The latter are also likely to gain sustainability with the help of issues that help in sustaining the
operations of the company.
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Both General Electric and Disney face healthy competition in the market that they operate in.
There are companies such as Hitachi, Emerson, Philips and other who rival General Electric
while they are operating in the industry. Viacom, Warner Bros, 21st Century Fox and others
rival the performance of Disney while they are operating in the industry.
Social patterns and trends in the industry influence the nature of proceedings that are carried
out by companies operating in the United States. Social patterns of the consumers determines
the strategies that are adopted by companies in dealing with the issues that help in sustaining
the activities that help in gaining a competitive advantage in the industry that they are
operating in. Thus, both Disney and General Electric should comply with the requirements that
help in developing strategies that sustain the expected outcomes. The products and services
that are offered by both the companies are in demand in the United States. Thus, the nature of
behavior of the consumer are likely to help the company in gaining favorable outcomes in the
industry. There is a high level of influence of the social patterns in the proceedings of the
companies and thus, there are issues that help in development of the favorable nature of
proceedings in terms of operations of the organization. The operations of both General Electric
and Disney help in sustaining the activities that help the companies in sustaining a competitive
advantage in industry.
The trends in the global business environment is dynamic in nature. Hence, it can be said that
the nature of proceedings that are carried out by companies help in identification of the
preference patterns and the strategies that they have to take in order to be subject to
proceedings that help in satiating the needs that are associated with the needs of the diverse
stakeholders associated to the company. Both Disney and General Electric operate as
multinational companies and hence, it is evident that they should carter to the proceedings that
are carried out in the global business environment. Since, the companies operate in industries
that have various competitors. Hence, it is suggested that both the companies should be keen
on identification of the tastes and preference patterns that help the companies in carrying out
activities with the help of which the company can sustain the activities of the organization
according to the requirements of the industry and the needs of the stakeholders associated to
the organization. Both the companies have been carrying out the same and as a result they
have been successful while operating in the industry that is deemed to be changing all the time
and the industry that is highly dynamic in nature.
Seminar #2 – Collaboration/Team Development: Discussion Question
Imagine you are considering starting your own business. Think about the following and discuss
with someone in your environment:
 What kinds of products or services will you offer?

 What talents or skills do you need to run the business?

 Do you have all the skills and resources to start the business, or will you need to find one
or more partners? If so, what skills would your partners need to have?

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 What form of business ownership would you choose-sole proprietorship, partnership, C
corporation, S corporation, or LLC? Why?
You may want to interview another person to broaden your thinking.
Discussion Analysis Paper
In the modern business environment there are various options that individual can choose from
if they intend develop a business model that is sustainable in nature. There are various
industries to choose from and thus, it can be said that entrepreneurs must have the ability to
identify the key opportunities with the help of which they can sustain an idea that helps in
developing a value proposition with the help of which they can satiate the needs of diverse
stakeholder associated to an organization. From the various options that I have been able to
analyze, I have been able to decide the business that I would like establish is a B2B business.
The nature of operations of such organizations are generally highly profitable and thus, the
needs of the organization would help in sustaining the revenue oriented needs. The service that
I would like to offer in the industry would be related to services of ad development. The main
service that would be offered in an ad agency is regarding the development of ads. The
business environment is deemed to be highly competitive in nature. Hence, companies need to
focus on the communication of the core value proposition of the company so that they are able
to stand out with the help of which they are able to gain effectiveness in seeking support from
the consumer community. Hence, it can be said that it is the aim of companies to promote the
core competencies of the company with the help of which they are able to gain profitability
which finally leads to the generation of stakeholder satiation which is the way of achievement
of corporate governance. The service that would be offered by the company that I would aim
to develop is the service of creative content generation. The main value proposition of the
company would be to develop ads that help in other companies in the industry gain
competitiveness in operating against the core value proposition. The creative solutions that
would be offered by the company can be outsourced by other organizations who are looking to
seek support from the company with the moti8ve of communicating the value proposition of
the company. The solutions that can be offered by the company can be outsourced by other
companies and this activity is likely to help in the generation of revenue that would help in
supporting the functions of the company. Creative ads would be developed mainly for print
media such as magazines and newspapers, for out of home ads such as billboards, bus shelter
ads and for digital media such as social media and websites. Furthermore, the services of the
company would be integrated with Google AdSense. The company aims to sustain activities
based on the said mediums for now that would be followed by the creation of solutions for
audio and audio visual media.
The nature of operations of the company suggests that the business would need individuals
who possess creativity skills. The aim of the company is to recruit and develop associations
with individual who can help in sustaining the nature of activities with the help of which the
company would succeed in terms of development of service that would help the company in
gaining outcome that would satiate the need of the consumer community. Creativity and idea
generation is the main skills that would be required in the individuals. The latter is likely to
help the company I coming up with solutions that help in carrying out activities that would be
based on generation of a value proposition that would help the company to get recognized in
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the industry.
There are certain resources that would be required in order to gain effectiveness in operations
of the company. The resources that would be needed by the company to carry out operations in
an effective manner is through the development of a favorable base of employee who would
be dedicated to sustain the nature of operations of the company. The aim of the company
would be to develop solutions worth the help of which they are likely to develop products that
help in generating ideas that help in sustaining the operations of the company. It can be said
that man power behind the company would be enough to sustain the activities and regular
nature of operations of the company. However, the nature of operations of the company would
present requirements regarding tools with the help of which the activities can be sustained.
Need for office tools such as computers, printers, internet connectivity would be required to
carry out regular nature of operations. Furthermore, there would be need for a procurement
that would help in supporting the operation. It would also help in realizing a place that would
help in gaining favorable nature of outcomes with the help of which the employee can
collaborate with each other and operate effectively. The business that would be developed
would be based on sole proprietorship in the initial operational days. Currently the ideas of the
business is being pitched to the potential stakeholders which can help in generation of
investment. The stage of operation of the company is research oriented and it is expected that
the idea of the business in characterized by the generation of favorable notions with the help of
which the company can be deemed to be operational.
Currently, the nature of operations of the company is deemed to be based on sole
proprietorship. Since, the company is in the initial phase, sole proprietorship is deemed to be
the most appropriate type of operation of the company. The latter is a type of business where
there exists only one form of ownership. The idea behind the development of the business has
been generated from one individual, thus, I believe that it is better to be kept at an individual
that would be help in avoiding undue plagiarism of the idea. Hence, sole proprietorship will be
the nature of the issues that helps in gaining favorable nature of outcomes with the help of
which the business can be subject to favorable nature of outcomes with the help of which the
aim of the company can be sustained. Thus, the latter is the issue that needs to be complied
with in order to develop competencies that helps in gaining favourable nature of outcomes that
caters to the needs of organizational effectiveness.
Seminar #3 – Business and Marketing: Teaming Assignment
 While in a group or team setting observe and record what you believe to be each
member’s potential strengths and weaknesses.
Observation and Analysis
While in a group setting, it is the role of each member of the group to effectively go about the
operations of members that allows them to develop solutions that are deemed to be sustainable
in nature. A group is a collection of people and the effectiveness of the group depends on the
viability of operations of each member of the groups that ultimately results in the effectiveness
of operations of the group. Hence, it can be said that it is the role of each of the members of
the group to be able to carry out operations in such a way that supports the needs of the group
as a whole. It can be said that the aim of the group is to carry out activities that involves
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collaboration from all the members of the group. Each individual associated to a said group
must be able to effectively develop contribute to the productivity of the team as a whole. Once,
it is ensured that all the members of a said groups are performing according to expectations,
the performance of the group as a whole is sustained. This, ensures that all the members of the
group are being able to carry out operations up to the stated requirements and the individual
competencies. High performance outcomes help in ensuring that the group is able to meet the
organizational or the group requirements which also helps in securing the individual
sustainability of the members of the group in the setting that they are involved in.
I have been part of various programs that have seem me in team settings. I have been part of
various groups as a result of the requirements of the operational activities that I have been
involved in. There were various scenarios that required me to function in groups. I have had
the opportunity to learn from the various group discussion and team activities. Furthermore, I
have been able to subject to various information that I had no idea about before as a result of
being involved in groups. While being involved in a group or a team setting, it can be said that
there are mainly three types of roles that I have been able to identify. Leaders, followers and
people who oppose or present the views in a different manner are the issues that help in
sustaining the activities of the group. The leaders are the in groups or teams are the individuals
who initiate said through processes or moves. The followers are individuals who follow the
statements that are being made by one or another leader. The basically take the sides of one
motives or the other. The groups that I have been a part of have been highly diverse. The
group that was formed for discussion after a seminar was highly diverse. It included people
who gained were from diverse backgrounds. The group was formed regardless of age, race,
etc. and thus had various people who could provide their valuable inputs that was coupled with
the experience that each of the members had from the groups that they belonged to. Apart
from the diversity, the group was full of people who were enthusiastic to help in supporting
the outcomes of the groups as a whole and shared valuable information with the other
members of the group. There were members who were good listeners and thus bolstered the
communication that took place within the members of the group. There were also group
members who brought the discussions back on track if it went off track. These were the
noticeable strengths. The weakness of the group is deemed to be the issue that is associated
with the group going off track and the lack of proactivity that was showcased while the
group’s interaction started. I believe that there can weaknesses that are experienced in the
operations of group or a team. However, it is up to the leaders of the group and each member
of the group to be able to develop solutions to the problems that they experience. It can be said
that the nature of outcomes that a group is subject to depends on the engagement that each of
the members of the group have toward the fulfillment of organizational activities. It should be
the role of each individual within the team and that of the leader of the group to be able to
develop solutions that help in sustaining the key motives of the group. Motivation refers to the
individual factor that makes individuals want to carry out activities that they would in
accordance with the tangible or the intangible utility that they derive by fulfilling the task that
they are associated to. Thus, while development of a group, it should be ensure that the
member of the group are being able to collaborate and develop solutions to the problems that
they are experiencing. Furthermore, it can be said that communication is a key element that
must be contributed to in order to develop connection between members of a group or a team.
Hence, it can be said that success of group depends on the nature of motivation that each
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employee is subject and the type of communication that exists between the members of the
group or the team that is concerned.
Groups are formed to assimilate different people for a said purpose. The nature of operations
of the groups determine whether the objective of the group or a team as a whole is being
achieved. Thus, there should be effective communication that should exist between the
members of the group in order to ensure that the intent of each member of the group is being
interchanged and informed to all the members of the group. Furthermore, it can be said that
that the leaders or the teams or groups should take strategies that helps in motivating the
members as the latter is an approach that helps in sustaining the expected outcomes that help
in fulfilling the organizational objectives. Hence, the latter issues must be carefully analyzed
in order to ensure that the group is performing up to expectations.
Seminar #3 – Business and Marketing: Discussion Question
Marketers use many tools to determine their understanding and segment target markets. Review
the Claritas PRIZM Sell Sheet and the Sample Market Segmentations.
Consider:
 What would you name your consumer style category?
 Think of people you know and identify (or create) the group you believe best describe
them.
 What other tools besides PRIZM can marketers use to determine their target market?
 Discuss segmenting target markets with someone in your environment.
Discussion Analysis Paper
Segmentation is an activity that refer to the segmentation of the consumers into groups. It is an
activity that is carried out by organizations to identify specific groups with the help of which
companies gain effectiveness in developing core business models. Thus, it can be said that the
strategies that would be most applicable when it comes to the development of favourable
nature of outcomes in the industry that a particular company operates in. Segmentation is the
key top achievement of high performance outcomes and thus, it helps in generation strategies
that helps companies identify and later capitalize on the developed segment with the help of
strategies that cater to the needs of the consumers. The strategies help in gaining favourable
nature of activities with the help in converting the potential consumers to actual customers. It
can be said that the aim of the company is to carry out activities with the help of which the
company can gain sustainable nature of outcomes in terms of revenue generation and
stakeholder satiation.
Claristas carried out research with the help of research partners, provides identity graphs, it
also provides access to nelson data and finally providing the solution with the help of the
desired channel. The assimilation of all the activities helps in forming the Claristas advantage.
Claritas carries out market research with the help of a 360 degree analysis of the consumer.
The latter analysis is carried out on the basis of various factors including, the type of
entertainment medium the customer is interested in, the shopping and preference pattern of the
consumers, the technological competence of the consumers, the lifestyle, the demographics
that the target consumers belong to, the attitudes, the financial behavior or the consumer and
others.
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Since, the proposed organization is a B2B, it can be said that the aim of the company to
provide the solutions in the form of advertisement solutions. The creative solution that can still
be segmented. Hence, it can be said that the aim of the company is to carry out research with
the help of which the aim of the company can be satiated. Thus, the aim of the company is to
carry out activities with the help of which the company can gain favourable nature of
outcomes by communicating the value proposition of the company in the industry that the
company is operating. Hence, the Claritas Segmentation solution can be opted for by the
company with the help of which the aim of the company can be satiated. The aim of the
company is to carry out research with the help of which they can gain identify the
characteristics of the consumers. The analytics team at Claritas can identify solutions with the
help of which the aim of the company can be satiated. There are various factors that must be
analyzed in order to identify the core competencies of the organization that they are catering
to. Factors such as the investment capability of the company, the preference of the company in
terms of the competencies that they wish to highlight, the actual value proposition of the
company, the partnerships that the company is currently associated to and the area the
company operates in and the demographics that the company caters to determines the needs of
the company in terms of satiation of the needs of the company.
The focus that Claritas has shown in terms of segmentation can be linked with real life
examples. I can related to the basis of segmentation of the company with the people in my real
life. I have been able to identify various bases of segmentation within the groups of friends
that I have. I have certain friends who show affiliation to the consumption of expensive items.
They shop from companies such as Zara, visit Gourmet restaurants, drive an Audi and live life
styles that can be considered to be lavish in nature. I also have groups of friends who travel
using subway, shop frm amazon, Drive Ford Raptors and eat at fast food joints or takeaways.
While the former belongs to a niche group, the latter belongs to groups that can be considered
mass market of middle class. Thus, I am able to keenly identify the segments can help
companies in carrying out segmentation effectively.
There are various tools that can be used to effectively identify the target markets. There are
also various tools with the help of which the trends and preference patterns of the consumers
can be identified. There are tools such as American fact finder, pew research center, my best
segments and also tools from Google such Analytics audience tab, acquisition tab, Google
keyword research and others that can be used to identify and research the issues that are being
used in order to identify the target segments and the potential markets that exist in a said
market.
Segmentation is one of the most important activities that must be carried out in order to satiate
the needs of a company in terms of identification of the needs of the specific market that they
are catering to. Thus, it can be said that the aim of the companies is to gain effectiveness in
operations by ensuring that the employees are being able to carry out operations in accordance
with the segmentation that has been carried out in the market that they are operating in.
Segmentation can be carried out in accordance with various issues such that they have been
able to gain effectiveness in operations with the help of which the companies can effectively
capitalize on the market conditions that exist. I am aware of various companies that have been
successful in segmentation. Nestle is one such company and they have been able to develop a
product portfolio based on the market segments that they have been able to identify. The
company has been able to develop a portfolio in which they have various products that are
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offered by the company with respect to the specific target markets. Nescafe has been
developed for coffee lovers, the line of baby food has been developed for babies, the company
also has developed chocolates such as Kit Kats to cater to the needs of the consumers who
enjoy chocolate. Furthermore, the company has developed a portfolio that recognizes the
needs of various consumer segments and thus, satiates the needs of the consumers with the
help of the same.
Seminar #3 – Business and Marketing: Learning in Action Journal
 Critically reflect on the readings and how they relate to your personal experience with
successful organizations.
Observation and Reflection
Throughout the course I have been able been exposed to various concepts of marketing. The
latter included readings on topics such as team development, evaluation of role of members
within organizations, problems solving skills that are required when in a team setting, team
building activities, organizational culture, leadership and communication. The aim of the
readings were to help in developing issues with the help of which the students were taught
courses that helped in exposing the students to the concepts that will help them in developing
understanding regarding issues that helped in development of understanding the skills that they
have to possess in order to operate effectively regardless of the organization that they are
associated to in the future.
I believe that the course helped me developing understanding a backbone regarding the
application of the theories that have been learnt in accordance with the operations that are to
be carried out by me in the future in the organization that I am working in. The readings and
trainings that have been regarding leadership interested me. I feel that the latter is an aspect
that must be carefully analyzed in order to develop understanding regarding the issues that
helped in developing understanding with the help of which the aim of the team or the group
that I am working in will be satiated. Leadership refers to the operations that are carried out by
a leader. It is the role of leaders of organizations to be able to determine activities with the
help of teams are able to perform effectively. Collaboration is an aspect that must be bolstered
within teams as team performance is the assimilated activity of all the. I have gained been able
to understand that it has be ensured that there need to be effective leadership within the teams
or the concerned groups. The aim of the leadership is to lead the performance of the team with
the help of activities that bolster collaboration between the members of the teams and to
ensure that the members of the team are engaged to the objectives of the team of the help of
issue that help in gaining favourable advantages with the help of which the group can be
subject to favorable outcomes while they are operating in the industry. I have been able to
develop understanding regarding the issues with the help of which I understood the nature of
proceedings that must be carried out in team settings. Interpersonal communication highly
influences the culture that exist within the teams and that in turn reflects the nature of
operations that would be carried out in the concerned team. It would thus, determine the
proceedings that are carried out by the organization. All the readings that I have been exposed
to have helped me in realizing the importance of communication in all the areas of
management. Team work has been one of the major focuses of the readings. Hence, the issues
related to team building have been discussed in the readings that have helped me develop
understanding regarding the proceedings that are to be carried out when in a group setting.
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Reflection and Introspection
I have been able to learn a great deal about the operations of individuals in team settings. Just
as explained in the theory, I have been able to understand that collaboration is one of the most
important factors that must be present with within a group setting in order to ensure that the
group or the team is subject to favorable nature outcomes in the industry that they are
operating in. I agree with the facts that have been stated in the readings and agree most with
the fact that communication is a crucial factor that determines the effectiveness of members in
teams and the ultimate performance of team members. Furthermore, I also agree with the fact
that it is the role of effective leadership to determine whether, the group or concerned team
will perform according to par in the concerned organization. Hence, the nature of activities
that are carried out in organizations should involve a degree of collaboration between all the
members within the team. The latter bolster the effectiveness of the team as a whole that helps
in gaining high performance outcomes. Hence, the collaboration of these factors help in
determining the performance of groups as a whole.
Leader Development
The readings have helped me understand the importance of factors such leadership. I have
been able to understand that it is the role of leaders to be able to develop and determine
directions with the help of which organizations can gain favourable outcomes in satiation of
the needs associated with the help of which the issues within an organization can be dealt with
in an effective nature. Leadership is the medium with the help of which the motives of teams
can be realized. Hence, it is the aim of companies to carry activities that help in ensuring that
the activities are being carried out in terms of activities that help in gaining favourable nature
of outcomes that helps in sustaining the outcomes that are desired.
Summary and Conclusion
There are various issues that have been highlighted throughout the module. The readings help
in determining the factors with the help of which one should effectively develop in order to
ensure that they are able to carry out favourable proceedings while a team is performing.
Furthermore, I have been able to identify the core competencies such as communication,
collaboration within the members of a team and leadership have helped me in understanding
the nature of outcomes with the help of which I aim to effectively develop a competency with
the help of which I am able to develop understanding regarding performing in teams. It is the
role of the leaders to ensure that the groups are performing up to the mark. The leaders act as
individuals who act as the fulcrum of operations of a team or a group. On a concluding note, it
can be said that the main nature of proceedings that have been carried out is to help the
students gain exposure to different concepts that can be linked to real life situations.
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Seminar #4 – Organizational Development/Strategic/Planning/Vision
Teaming Assignment
 Watch the TedTalk on Leadership by Roselinde Torres.
 Observe how her criteria for great leaders are reflected in the groups and teams in which
you participate.
Observation and Analysis
The speech started off by stating the fact that the image of the leader is one of the most crucial
factors that must be determine the effectiveness of leadership. However, the proceedings that
are carried out by the leaders is deemed to be outdated and hence, there needs to be activities
that helps in satiating the needs associated with effective leadership regardless the nature of
activity that the leadership is associated with. Thus, Torres was keep on identification of the
main responsible factors that determined the success of leadership in different organizations.
The speaker participated in a study that was carried out in 4000 organizations. It should be
noted that the study was carried out in organizations that had leaders who were deemed to be
efficient and effective in terms of performance, however, the organizational performances
were still suffering. She talks about of her time in fortune 500 companies and her collaborative
efforts with leaders from different NGOs who took different approaches in accordance with
leadership. The main purpose of her study was to identify the gaps in leadership that was
leading to unfavorable nature of outcomes regardless of the efficiency of the leaders. The
speaker also focused on the importance of culture and the environment on the nature of
leadership. One of the main questions that were framed by the speaker was regarding the
practices should carry out in the 21st century to be successful leaders. It was also started that
sticking to traditional practices are not sufficient when it comes to operational effectiveness of
leaders. Practices such as 360 degree analysis are likely to provide outcomes that are positive,
which might not be the actual case. Furthermore, there are key activities that have been
identified that one must carry out in order to be successful when it comes to leading individual
organizations towards sustainability. Managing change effectively is one of the key skills that
a leader must possess in their repertoire in order to start off. Moreover, individuals must carry
out activities in a planned manner. Time management is a skills that must be carried out by
leaders. Additionally, the leaders should be ready for the future that is unpredictable. Being
able to develop a diverse network also allows individuals to be termed as better leaders. Being
in contact with people who are different yet knowledgeable help in solving problematic
scenarios that a leader might be faced with. Finally task that are deemed to be challenging
helps in thinking out of the box and also gives rise to ideas that might not have been thought of
before. Thus, the speech outline the problem statement in the form of the issues that could
potentially hinder the nature of operations of leadership in organizations, the factors that
determine the failure of the employees in terms of leadership and the key issues that they must
capitalize on in order to gain success as a leader regardless of the nature of operations of the
company.
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Seminar #4 – Organizational Development/Strategic Planning/Vision:
Discussion Question
 Discuss Roselinde Torres’ criteria with a leader and a follower in your environment.
Discussion Analysis Paper
The environment or the culture determines the success of the organization in terms of
development of high performance outcomes in organization. It has been stated that the
employees must be able to identify the factors in the environment with the help of which can
help them in identification of the factors that they must capitalize on in order to effectively
develop companies with the help of which the organization can be subject to favorable nature
of outcomes. There are leaders of opinions and followers who follow the opinions that have
been presented by the leaders. Thus, the environment in which the employee of the leader is
operating in one of the most important factors that must be analyzed in order to gain
effectiveness in leadership.
Seminar #4 – Organizational Development/Strategic Planning/Vision:
Learning in Action Journal
Critically reflect on how the readings and video relate to your personal experience with
successful organizations.
 What resonated most deeply with you and why?
Observation and Reflection
I believe that success is determine by the amount of challenges that individuals can take wen
in organizational contexts. Thus, it can be said that leadership within an organization should be
effective in nature, so that they are able to effectively identify and cater to the differences that
exist between individuals, I feel that facing challenging situation. Thus, I believe in the same. I
believe that I should be planned and thus, it helps in gaining effective nature of outcomes with
the help of which employees can gain effective nature of outcomes. The latter will, supposedly
help me in sustaining the nature of operations that I would be associated to an organization
that is effective in nature. Furthermore, I would aim to be positioned as an individual who
performs effectively.
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BUSI 151 Introduction to Business – Learning in Action Workbook
Reflection and Introspection
I have been able to identify that the latter resonates within my core competencies. Not only I
can relate to the same, but I can also say that it is an issues that I have always been keen about.
Leader Development
My development as a leader will bolstered by the activities such as Strategic Planning. I have
been able to understand the importance of the same and thus, it can be said that it is my aim to
ensure that I incorporate planning into my activities as it will ensure that I will accept the same
regardless of the operations that I am associated to.
Summary and Conclusion
Strategic Planning is an activity that must be incorporated into operations by leaders.
However. The aim of companies is to gain effectiveness in operations with the help of leaders
that can help organization in achieving the strategic goals and objectives. Hence, I will ensure
to incorporate all into my activities to satiate the needs that are associated with gaining
favorable nature of outcomes in the industry that I will be part of.
Seminar #5 – Human Resource Development: Teaming Assignment
As a team, discuss how your group might organize based on your understanding of the various
assessments that you have taken.
 Who should be the leader? Why?
 What skills does your team have?
 What skills does the team lack?
 Do all team members have the same knowledge skills and attributes?
 How can you synchronize your attributes to maximize team effectiveness?
Observation and Analysis
A person who will be able to take the responsibility of the organization or a team as a whole as
well as the individuals in the organization or the team should be a leader. Leadership is a
concept that involves leading people to achievement of strategic goals. Thus, it can be said that
the aim of companies should be to gain effectiveness in operations with the help of leaders
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BUSI 151 Introduction to Business – Learning in Action Workbook
who are effective and efficient.
The team has effective problem solving and critical thinking skills. However, it lacks skills of
collaboration. All teams might not have similar skills of sets of knowledge. To maximize team
effectiveness one should ensure that they are able to satiate the needs associated with the each
of the organizational skills and thus, it should be the role of leaders of teams to be able to
develop teams that are effectively synchronized.
Seminar #5 – Human Resource Development: Discussion Question
Sometimes understanding differences in employees' personalities helps managers understand
how to motivate them. Find out about your personality by completing the MBTI Personality Test
(based on Carl Jung's and Isabel Myers-Briggs's approaches to typology).
After taking the test consider:
 What is your personality type?
 What are some characteristics of your personality type? How can this help you
understand your motivations?
 Do you feel as if this personality type accurately reflects you?
 What do you see as some possible weaknesses with this personality type?
 “Personality tests may be used to assess an applicant’s potential for a certain kind of
work and his or her ability to fit into the organization’s culture” (Ferrell, Hirt, & Ferrell,
2015, pg. 200). What do you see as strengths in your personality type for certain types of
jobs?
 Discuss this assignment with someone in your environment.
Discussion Analysis Paper
ENTJ is my personality type or skill. The characteristics of this type of personality when it
comes to an organization context is that it is a type of personality that it is characterised by a
high degree of affiliation for directing and controlling. This has helped me in understanding
that I will be able to be an effective leaders in the future.
This personality suggest that one possessing this type of personality is not empathetic towards
other. I do not agree on the same. The weakness that I have been able to determine form the
nature of the personality is that individuals with this type of personality is deemed to be
control freaks which can hinder their operational effectiveness.
I feel that individuals with this type of personality can be effective leaders Individuals with
this type of personality can direct operations and teams with the help of which the
subordinates can be directed to desirable directions.
Seminar #5 – Human Resource Development: Learning in Action Journal
 Critically reflect on the new insights that you have gained this week.
Observation and Reflection
I have been able to understand that HRM or HRD is one of the most important functions in a
business. This, department of the management has to look into recruitment, management of
Payrolls, selection employee motivation and other policies that help in development of
favorable outcomes in terms of people management in organizations.
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Reflection and Introspection
I feel that HRD is an important organizational concept that helps in supporting all the other
functional departments. Without fulfillment of the basic functions of the HRD, all the other
functional department will fail. Hence, it is important to gain understanding regarding the
HRD to better understand organizational inter connectivity.
Leader Development
Leaders in HRD should be humanitarians. They should tally between employees and
organizational needs effectively. The aim of the HR managers should be to effectively manage
employees within organizations so that they are able to manage employee motivation and
manage organizational effectiveness.
Summary and Conclusion
HRD is one of the most important organizational functions and thus, it should be catered to
effectively in order to ensure that all the functions of the management are supported
effectively.
Seminar #6 – Social Responsibility/Ethics: Discussion Question
Review Carroll’s publication “The pyramid of corporate social responsibility” along with the
image of a CSR Pyramid.
Answer the following:
 Consider the steps on Carroll’s “Pyramid of Corporate Social Responsibility” (economic,
legal, ethical, and philanthropic/voluntary responsibilities). How would you evaluate
Disney or GE?
 Do you think it is possible to make money and still be socially responsible? Why or why
not?
 As a consumer with a plethora of options, how do you choose one brand or company over
another?
Discussion Analysis Paper
Both Disney and GE have been keep enough on developing CSR policies that benefit the
community in terms of economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic sustainability. GE has paid
special attention to the development of communities, promotion or education, support with the
help of electricity, health and child welfare, Disney has taken CSR to the next step by
developing CSR activities such as supplier welfare, maintaining international labor standards,
reduction of carbon foot prints and others.
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BUSI 151 Introduction to Business – Learning in Action Workbook
Yes, it is possible to make money and still carry out CSR activities. CSR helps in highlighting
the motives of companies as it helps in satiating the exposure need of the company. Hence, it
is a type of marketing that involves giving to the community.
Seminar #6 – Social Responsibility/Ethics: Learning in Action Journal
Critically reflect on the readings and how they relate to your personal experience with successful
organizations.
 What social or philanthropic issues do you find the most compelling?
Observation and Reflection
Philanthropy is an issue that has always interested in. Being able to make people happy helps
in gaining motivation to work. Furthermore, one can get recognized with the help of
philanthropic efforts. Issues such as contributing to the community and carrying out activities
that benefits one are some compelling issues that interests me.
Reflection and Introspection
I have been able to understand that what might be lawful might not always be ethical. Ethics is
an aspect that is extensively integrated into the operations of individual who are looking to
carry out operations in a manner that there is no negative incidence. It is the right way to do
things.
Leader Development
Leaders should be ethical in their proceedings. It helps in ensuring that impartial treatment is
received by all. It also helps in assuring that the organizational needs are being met effectively
and efficiently.
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Summary and Conclusion
Ethics are important factors that must be identified and complied with when it comes to
organizational effectiveness. I have been able to understand the importance of the same and
thus, it has helped me in gaining ideas regarding the importance of the same.
Seminar #7 – Financial Management: Discussion Question
 Using the Disney or GE annual report provided, review the company’s financial
statements and see whether they match the information in chapter 15.
 Read the auditor’s opinion (usually at the end of the report) and evaluate what you think
are the most important conclusions of the auditors.
Discussion Analysis Paper
It is important to analyze the financial compliance of issues. Thus, it can be said that the aim
of companies is to gain effectiveness in development of ideas that help in satiating the needs of
the employees regarding the same. Both Disney and GE have been recognized as companies
that are sustainable in nature. Hence, the auditor’s words shown favorable proceeding carried
out by the company. Thus, the nature of proceeding carried out by the company ensure that the
needs of the company can be satiated with the help of issues regarding the effectiveness of the
same.
Seminar #7 – Financial Management: Learning in Action Journal
Critically reflect on the readings and how they relate to your personal experience with successful
organizations.
 How has the assimilation of course material impacted your capacity to engage critically
and build your Marketing Plan?
Observation and Reflection
Due importance must be realized in financial proceedings. It helps in supporting the other
functions of the management. Thus, it can be said thus realizing the importance of the latter
helps in satiating the needs associated with the development of the marketing plan.
Reflection and Introspection
I know that I should be able to identify information regarding the importance of issues such as
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financial compliances. It will help in adjudging the performance of teams and as a future
leader, I must possess skills that help in satiating the needs associated to the same.
Leader Development
As leaders one should be able to gain effectiveness in understanding the financial compliances.
Thus, it can be said that leaders should possess abilities that help them in understanding issues
that have financial compliances.
Summary and Conclusion
Financial management is an issues that has been effectively positioned as an integral
management function. Thus, the assimilation of the same helps in satiating the functions of the
management including finance. Thus, the aim of the company is to gain effectiveness in
operations with the help effective analysis of the financial management.
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