Category: Case-Study

 
Apply SODA method ( create rich cognitive map) to the library case study already written by myself after interview with the client.
Assignment: A description of the problem scenario ( case study already done) and an
evaluation of the contribution that specific modelling approach ( SODA) could make:
1. Apply SODA method and create cognitive map
2. Interpretation
3. recommendations

The library case study

1. Abstract

This report contains a case study of the real problem of the London South Bank University library. The case study has been analysed through the application of Strategic Options Development and Analysis (SODA) framework.

2. Client Specification

Project scope statement

The project is about improving the online reading list completion rates to increase review fulfilment and to ensure that core materials are in place before the beginning of an academic year.

Introduction/Background to project:

LSBU has two library buildings – the Perry Library on Southwark Campus which holds items for all LSBU courses, and Havering Campus Library which holds items for health-related courses. For the purpose of this project the interview was carried out in the Perry Library.
The library implemented reading lists management software in 2014. The software called Talis Aspire is an online resource list management system where lecturers can create reading lists using simple drag and drop tools. Library linking, acquisitions alerting and resource location functions is designed to make it easy for learners to connect with the library and find what they want (http://www.elearning.capd.qmul.ac.uk/learning-applications/other-qmul-learning-applications/talis-aspire/).
The library offers trainings and open sessions twice a year to all members involved in reading lists review process. The library has produced various guides, practice manuals and FAQs which are available on the library web pages to help the current or new staff with Talis software. Moreover, the Reading Lists policy has been adopted by the LSBU to ensure a correct management of reading list materials and to ensure that the Library is able to meet student needs.
At least twice a year library approaches academic staff who teach on taught modules in departments and asks them to submit a copy of their reading list with the materials that they recommend to students. The library examines all lists submitted for review, handles purchasing requests for academic materials and then make submissions to LSBU approved book wholesalers for purchasing according to an agreed purchasing ratio (one book per 10 students and one e-book per module). The library can buy up to 15 books per module due to a limited budget however additional purchases are allowed with the approval of the respective Information Advisor of a school. The lists are reviewed on first come first serves basis. Academic staff who submits a copy of their reading lists in a good time have more chances to see the academic materials for students at the begging of each semester. The ideal dates for the latest submission of reading lists are: for modules running in the Autumn is begging of July and for modules running in the Spring is beginning of October. The reading lists set up by LSBU library automatically roll over for the new academic year.
The library is not aware of any changes made to readings lists in the Module Handbook therefore academic staff needs to make same changes to both handbooks and online reading list.

Although library intends to make the core items more accessible (by making lists of the materials available to students) and ensuring core materials are in place before the beginning of an academic year, responses to the request for lists are not sufficient. The lists submitted outside of agreed time cause a backlog of reviews and delays in purchase.

3. Project Objectives

• To find ways of improving communication between academics and library in order to increase online reading list completion rates
• To find ways to encourage academic staff to embed coherent and consistent use of the reading lists online platform
• To improve the efficiency of the acquisition process

4. Constraints

The library has two sites –Perry Library on the Southwark campus and the Havering Campus Library. This geographical constraint can cause a communication issue.
The academic staff are constrained by time and workload. Insufficient training makes the engagement with online platform difficult. Other academic constrains are:
• The courses that academics teach are changing every semester, when new courses are added the guardianship of existing ones are given to others.
• Also the academic staff may leave the institutions and new staff may join to take their place.
The library constraint: The time taken for library staff to acquire new items can vary considerably depending on the module, type of materials or stock availability.
Budget constraint: purchasing ratio is not sufficient for modules with more than 100 students; increase in number of students every year.
Increasing cost of digital collections, high influx of journal licenses over core books, cost of library collection inflation cause issues to already inadequate budget.

5. Analysis

The Strategic Option Development and Analysis (SODA) is a problem structuring method to deal with complex decision situations that involve several stakeholders with potentially different perceptions of the problem, different values and goals and possibly different interests (Friend, J., Hickling, A. (1997), Planning under Pressure:2nd edition, p 267). In order to use SODA method effectively the stakeholder’s analysis are required.
There is no value in having a Reading Lists online platform unless everyone is going to use it. It requires involvement from a number of stakeholders to achieve a success. The stakeholders are:
Internal stakeholders: academic librarians, acquisition team, library senior staff
External stakeholders: LSBU governing body, academic staff, students; technical team
Academic staff as the authors of the reading lists are of course the key to the success of the Reading Lists platform. Without having academics providing the lists student engagement in online reading list is not possible.
The library has a vested interest in online platform. The library overseeing the performance of reading lists, promotes and assists the training for reading lists, also makes the core materials more accessible to students.
Students are the consumers of reading lists so they are also important. They access reading lists to prepare for the assignments or if prompted by academics or librarians.
LSBU governing body, Dean or other influential person chairing meetings are also important, they can give the online platform a greater position and aid communication with those responsible for activities related to reviews.

Table 1
Significant influence Some Influence Little Influence No Influence
Significant Importance  LSBU governing body
 Academic staff
 Library senior staff

Some Importance  Academic librarians
 acquisition team  Technical team
 students
Little Importance
No Importance

Table 2. Stakeholder management approach – how to interact with them

Interest low Interest high
Power high Keep satisfied
 LSBU governing body
 Academic staff Manage closely
 Technical staff (working together to run online platform)
 Library senior staff
Power low Monitor (minimum effort)

Keep informed
 Students
 Academic librarians
 Acquisition team

6. Methodology

The one-hour interview produced a cognitive map with 80 concepts. Few concepts were missed during the interview however they were discovered and added during the review of recording. The full cognitive map is shown below.

7. Interpretation
8. Recommendations

 
For the paper, the following headers must include the following:

Question:
Steelcase, Inc. Please see the Steelcase Inc. case study (uploaded). The casestudye begins on page 215. The name of the textbook is below. As part of creating the full-time IR position, Steelcase had to decide where to place Grueber in the company hierarchy. Given the issues facing Steelcase when Grueber arrived, what are the strengths and weaknesses of placing Grueber under the CFO versus the corporate communication department?

Chapter eight of:

Argenti, P.A. (2013). Corporate communication (6th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill/ Irwin. ISBN: 9780073403175.

Answer:
I am required to conduct research using the school’s library to respond to the question. I will find 4 articles by 4 different authors to help you answer the question above. All of the articles I provide will have been published within the past 5 years. An answer to the question must be based upon a full analysis of the research and must be fully grounded in the research. Compare and contrast at least 4 articles I provide you, all four of which must be utilized in your answer. You pick the four that are most appropriate from the uploads.

Also, use the textbook Argenti, P.A. (2013). Corporate communication (6th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill/ Irwin. ISBN: 9780073403175 as at least one reference.

This paper must be formatted in APA format, written in third person, and must include only primary research (from academic/peer-reviewed journals). Refer to the APA Manual for formatting guidelines.

You also must use a reference from the Harvard Business Review, Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Review, or the Journal of Management Studies, etc.

Biblical integration:
Provide integration of a biblical concept that supports the answer to the Case Study question.

The Bible. NIV, KJV, and NKJV are all acceptable for use in this course.

References:
Using current APA format, list all references used in the response.

In addition, the paper must meet the following standards (please see instructions (uploaded))

Thesis Statement: Transparent concrete is an alternative( why) to traditional concrete that utilizes optic fibers to obtain its transparency. It has many uses such as utilizing it to light speed pumps and in furniture. It isadvantageous( why and how )to us because it is energy efficient and aesthetically pleasing. she said it has to be one sentence
1. Introduction:
2. MANUFACTURING PROCESS:
The manufacturing process of transparent concrete is almost same as regular concrete. Only optical fibers are spread throughout the aggregate and cement mix. Small layers of the concrete are poured on top of each other and infused with the fibers and are then connected. Thousands of strands of optical fibers are cast into concrete to transmit light, either natural or artificial Light transmitting concrete is produced by adding 4% to 5% optical fibers by volume into the concrete mixture. The concrete mixture is made from fine materials only it does not contain coarse aggregate. Fabric and concrete are alternately inserted into molds. The material is then cut into panels or blocks of the specified thickness and the surface is then typically polished.
3. Uses:
The main purpose of transparent concrete is having the ability to see through a barrier. They can be mixed with everything to make it transparent. For instance, Translucent concrete blocks inserted on front doors or walls next to it allow the residents to see when there is a person standing outside. A more practical use would be using it as wall. By doing that, light will be transmitted from inside that building at night and from the sun during the day. Lane markers and speedbumps can use this to light up roads, also airports can utilize it by using it to light up there runways.
4. Advantages and Disadvantages:
Natural sunlight is the best source for light which is actually free of cost. With translucent concrete walls in a room, it’d be brightly illuminated with natural sunlight. This means that you will be using lights less and decreasing the electricity bill and reducing energy consumption. Not just that, but because walls are transparent, you won’t need to buy as many light bulbs as you used to. It also mean that you will be getting a more sunlight which has vitamin D. Moreover, these optical fibers also work as heat insulators, so they’ll be very effective in cold countries, thereby reducing energy and saving lots of money in both the cases. Additionally, the transparency allows for more security because it gives the ability of seeing what is happening on the other side of the wall. This can potentially increase the security and safety levels in schools, banks, airports, prisons, and many other places. Another advantage is that transparent concrete is that it is aesthetically pleasing and gives a building a more modern look to walls and furniture.The main disadvantage is these concrete is very costly because of the optical fibers. Also, the casting of transparent concrete block is difficult for the labor so a special skilled person is required to do this job. Finally, there are currently only two companies in the world that manufacture this type of material which makes it harder and more time consuming to acquire it for a project.
5. Conclusion:
Transparent concrete has a good light guiding property. It doesn’t lose the strength parameters compared to regular concrete. It has a vital aesthetical property. It can be used for the best architectural appearance of the building. Also used where the light cannot reach with appropriate intensity. Translucent concrete blocks can be used in many ways and implemented into many forms and be highly advantageous. Yet, the only drawback would be its high cost. That doesn’t stop high class architects from using it. It’s a great sign of attraction and artistic evolution. Any structure with a small hint of translucent concrete is bound to make heads turn and make them stand out from other structures. Green buildings would get an easy accreditation by using this material. Large and tall office buildings can share the lighting when the ceilings are translucent, this is both energy and heat saving. This new kind of building material can integrate the concept of green energy saving with the usage self-sensing properties of functional materials. Translucent concrete is the future. It is the smart way of optimizing and utilizing light, a smart way of living.

 
The case study is from Management control systems: Performance measurement, evaluation and incentives. (3rd Edition) book. And the case study for this assignment is the Berkshire Industries PLC case on page 439.
The questions for the assignment are:
Use the data pertaining to the Snack Food Division, as shown in Exhibit TN-1, to calculate:
a.The economic profit for the division for 2000 and 2001;
bThe economic profit target for the division for 2001;
c.The division manager’s bonus payout (% of salary) for 2000 and 2001. (Assume that the slope of the payoff line for 2000 was arbitrarily set by Berkshire management to equal 1.0.)
2. Assume the base salary of the manager of the Snack Foods Division was ?120,000 in both 2000 and 2001. How much cash would the manager receive from his bonus payouts in 2000 and 2001?

Case study in regard implementation of digital dictation system in a hospital.
Module: Project Management in Health Informatics
Case study of 3,000 words that presents a structured case study and academic evaluation of a health informatics project.

(IMPLEMENTATION OF DIGITAL DICTATION SYSTEM AT A HOSPITAL )
1-Abstract.
2-Introduction
2.1 Organisational context (Clear description of the project).
3-Mandating the project.
4-Aims
5-Obgectives.
6-Scope.
7-Boundaries.
8-Characteristics including those that make it interesting and relevant.
9-Highlighting the challenging faced and their root cause.
10-Methodology.
8.1 PRINCE 2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments). PINCE2 helps to identify the following. (Brief description)
1. Governance.
2. Business case.
3. Resource management.
4. Financial management.
5. Stakeholder engagement and benefits.
6. Risk assessment and risk management.
7. Communication delivery
8. Milestone
9. GANTT Chart
11-Result.

10.1-PRINCE2 Principle. Has been done during the project
Continued business Justification
Learn from experience
Define role and responsibilities
Managed by stages
Manage by expectation
Focus on Products
Tailor to suit project environment

10.2 PRINCE2 Theme. Has been done during the project
Business Case
Organisation
Quality
Plans
Risk
Change
progress

10.3 PRINCE2 Process Has been done during the project
Starting up a project
Directing a project
Initiating a Project
Controlling a Stage
Managing Project Delivery
Managing Stage Boundary
Closing a Project
10.4 Governance
Who is in project board Key roles

10.5 Business case
Product Title Business Case
Purpose
Description
Composition • Need for change
– Current situation
– Change drivers
• Vision
– Vision statement
– Outcomes
– Future Operating Model
• Delivery approach
– Programme scope
– Objectives
– Stakeholders
– Programme structure
– Governance
– Programme plan/timescales
– Links with other change initiatives
• Benefits
• Cost
• Risks
Input from
Used as an input to
Approved by

10.6 Roles and responsibilities of the project team
Project team Roles and responsibilities

10.7 Resource management.
Human
Building
Equipments
Supplies
Information
Tools and support team

10.7.1 Resource allocation

10.7.2 Task Effort (GANTT Chart).

10.8 Financial management.
Essential resources Cost categorized
Hardware
Software
Installation cost
Running cost
Maintenance
Security
Networking
Training cost

10.9 Stakeholder engagement and benefits

Stakeholders Internal to project team External to project team

Stakeholder benefits
NET BENEFITS BENEFITS BUT
FEW BENEFITS NET DISBENEFET

Communication plan and channels
Stakeholder Communication plan Communication channels
10.10Risk assessment and risk management.

Risk assessment and risk management
Code Description of the risk Likelihood Impact Priority Treatment Control
Risk management contingency plan
10.11 Buying off-shelf software feasibility assessment.
Technical Feasible
Economical Feasible
Opertaionally Feasible
Organisational Feasible
10.12 Quality criteria for the project.

10.13 Closing the project

Benefit planned
Benefit realised
Benefit not yet achieved

Value of the work
-Celebrate success
-Recognition of members

10.14Project Milestone.

11-Discussion ( Very important part) Please discuss in depth).

11.1 11.2 Has the digital dictation system failed or succeeded? Explain why.
11.2 Lessoned learned from the project.

12-Conclusion

13-Refrences

 

Apply one or two of the ethical principles described on pages 3-5 of Ethics and College Student Life to one of the opening case studies in Chapter 4 or 5 (i. e. 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, etc.)

I want my paper in 3 parts
1- Introduction of case. Cite the source
2- Analysis of behavior.
3- If we could turn back the clock.

Format the paper according to APA guidelines.

 
The week six assignment is to complete and discuss the case study: “Expatriate Management at AstraZeneca” (page 325)
Write a 3-5 page paper in APA format on the major points in the case. What lessons can be gleaned from the experiences that occurred with the management of expatriate employees at AstraZeneca? What could have been done better? Use the text and any outside references, but cite all references used.
Submit your assignment as a Word document, 3-5 pages in length. The paper must have a cover sheet, a reference list and be written in APA style format (edition 6). There are samples of APA style written papers in the “Resources” section. As a reminder, plagiarism will not be accepted. if you have doubts about the paper’s content or originality.
The course rubric is attached and can also be found in the resources section.

 
Please read and analyze the assigned case.(The NfL Digital Media Strategy, will be attached) Your analysis must address the following questions: a. Which alternative would you recommend, and why? Use the financial, performance, and other information provided in the case to justify your answer. You must also use information from five other reputable sources (e.g., news, trade, or academic journal articles, but not including the case). b. Be sure to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each option. What are the realistic outcomes and risks of your recommendation? Multiple alternatives—including their benefits and risks—must be assessed. Papers focusing on only one alternative will be downgraded. c. Chapters 6 and 11 from The Case Study Handbook (Ellet, 2007) may be helpful references. Again, please use the financial, performance, and other data in the back of the case to support your answer. You must also use information and/or data from six other reliable sources (e.g., news, trade, or academic journal articles, but not including the case). Avoid common mistakes when writing case reports. These include, but are not limited to: • Don’t re-tell the case. Get to the point. What should they do? • Avoid giving abstract advice. Be specific. Support your recommendations with sound reasoning based on reliable data. Remember: numbers are your friends. • Beware of afterthoughts. For example, do not suggest an idea at the end of the paper in order to “cover your bases.” If the idea is useful, it should be addressed throughout your paper.

please follow the following format
1p-intro(introductory to business, setting, main character, who is he, whats the dilemma, layout possible strategies and why they are important and relevant)
2p- criteria to be used to analyse options( must state 2-3 criteria that are relevant to weighing the multiple options outlined in the intro.
p3-discus the pros then the cons of the first option based on the criteria
p4-discuss the pros and cons of the second option based on the criteria
p5- discuss the pros and cons of the remaining option if there is a third,
p-6 state your action plan for implementation of the best option( back your self up with sources, select one option and go with it, feel free to rant here. if both options are good, rank them, and discuss the priority of the order you have placed them in.
p7- conclusion, be short, firm, and simple, to the point. business style

 

this is part of my analysis chapter. my phd research follows an action research approach. in this document I reflect on online distance education system in king abdulaziz university in Saudi arabia. the document (ch6-part1 instructions.doc) is already structured and I mentioned instructions for each section. So, please follow my instructions.

this chapter should be written in reflective way from the researcher (me) perspective.

general instructions for writing this chapter:
— rewrite all sections and Paraphrase them, I mean don’t copy and paste full sentences as some of them are already copied from other resources.

– Writing must be in more logical and academic way, more coherence and consistency presentation of ideas.

– Avoid repetitive in writing.
– You can change the order of presenting the ideas and information to make them look more consisted. Because I wrote ideas in a random manner
-reflective writing (this writing style should include mix of :
 descriptive (outlining what something is or how something was done)
 explanatory (explaining why or how it is like that)
 expressive (I think, I feel, I believe).
– some parts need more expansion of ideas as it is mentioned in the document instructions.

 
In Module 8, you will be asked to complete a case study assignment.

Directions: Read the introduction paragraph on Frito Lay on Page 518 of the textbook,

(you can copy and past the links in your browser). After watching the above videos, answer the following questions:

Does it appear that Frito Lay was using mathematical planning? Please explain.

How did aggregate planning help accurately schedule labor hours to decrease overall operational costs?

Was Frito Lay using capacity or demands option of aggregate planning? Please explain.

What do you think the operations of Frito Lay would be like if they never used aggregate planning strategies?

What steps would you create to setup a facility like Frito Lay did with aggregate planning?

Is there anything that you would have done differently if you were the CEO of Frito Lay?

Who should be responsible for aggregate planning?

What are some strategies that you learned from this case?

Submission: The plan should be 4 pages in length, not including the title or reference pages, and include an introduction with a thesis statement and a conclusion that summarizes the main ideas. Each paragraph should have a topic sentence supported by 3-5 sentences that offer additional details, explanation, and examples. The plan should be free of errors in grammar, sentence structure, and other mechanics. In addition, the plan should be in APA format, which includes Times New Roman, 12 point font with double line spacing and one inch margins. Submit the assignment as a Word document with the file name LastName_FirstName_CaseStudy2.

P. 518 of textbook 1st paragraph reads:

Like other organizations throughout the world, Frito-Lay relies on effective aggregate planning to match fluctuating multi-billion-dollar demand to capacity in its 36 North American plants.
Planning for the intermediate term (3 to 18 months) is the heart of aggregate planning. Effective aggregate planning combined with tight scheduling, effective maintenance, and efficient employee and facility scheduling are the keys to high plant utilization. High utilization is a critical factor in facilities such as Frito-Lay, where capital investment is substantial.