Category: Business

Personality + Cultural Influences Presentation General Guidelines This assignment will require a little research on your part. One of the most important aspects of organizational behavior is understanding people – this starts with oneself. The purpose of this assignment is to help you gain a better understanding of who you are (lead, communicate, sense-making, perspective, etc.). Additionally, this assignment will help raise self-awareness and awareness of others’ preferences. Finally, this assignment situates you in the global context and your interactions in intercultural interactions and multicultural settings. Cultural preferences are learned through our interactions and experiences. What preferences “look like” in action, therefore, reflects the culture’s values, beliefs, and expectations. Together, the 2 required instruments highlight your personality-encouraged preferences and your preferences in action. Together they provide valuable insight to you and others in interactions, on teams, in organizations, and the communities in which you operate. This assignment requires the use of 2 instruments: 1. The Myers Briggs Type Indicator MBTI Personality Type Test (UHD SP25).pdf The Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is one of the most well-known personality type instruments used globally. The MBTI is based on research by distinguished psychologist Carl Jung, and is designed to identify a person’s personality type, strengths, and preferences via self-report. In other words, the MBTI results reveal insights about YOU as an individual, from your point of view. 2. The Culture Map Personal Profile The Culture Map Personal Profile (CMPP), based on the well-established research of Hall, Hofstede, and other cultural anthropologists and interculturalists, builds upon the MBTI. Like a snapshot, the MBTI reveals personality-related data. The CMPP, via self-report, reveals the behavioral manifestations that reflect a person’s values and preferences/. In other words, CMPP focuses on preferences in action – in particular, 8 preferences relevant to organizational behavior (communicating, decision making, delivering negative feedback, persuading, dealing with conflict, etc.). Which came first, the personality or the culture? It’s chicken and egg; one influences the other, but it’s difficult to say which came first. The important part is to be aware of influences that make us each who we are – not better or worse, just different. This understanding contributes to your management and leadership capacities as well as your ability to lead and leverage organizational behavior. The Culture Map book is available in UHD library here: https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.uhd.idm.oclc.org/lib/uhdowntown/detail.action?docID=1634787Links to an external site. The Culture Map Personal Profile is available here: https://erinmeyer.com/tools/the-personal-profile-tool/Links to an external site.. There is a nominal fee (approx $5). When purchasing the tool, please use your UHD email address and this 50% off code: Z2G64WEV Instructions You will have a lot of autonomy with this presentation, but there are some key items that must be addressed in your 10-minute (minimum) to 15- minute (maximum) video presentation. • Complete the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) then summarize the scores in the form of a PowerPoint, and present your findings and their significance via a “live” video presentation. • Overview of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) • Overview of your personality type • Are you in agreement – why or why not? • What do your results imply about you? • Anything surprising in your results? • Highlight 2-3 CCMP dimensions that you find particularly relevant to your present job role and responsibility. • Do you see any correlation between your MBTI results and your CCMP results? In what way(s)? • Conclusions and implications • What can you do with these results? • What is your main take-away from the assignment? Please turn in Powerpoint (15 slides or more), Myers Briggs Type test, and summary paper.

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Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

truggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide for Writing Your Personality & Cultural Influences Presentation

This assignment asks you to reflect on your personality and cultural influences through two assessments: the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Culture Map Personal Profile (CMPP). You’ll use these insights to create a presentation that showcases your self-awareness and helps you understand how these factors play into your role in organizational behavior. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure that you structure your paper and presentation effectively.

Step 1: Complete the Required Assessments

Before you begin your assignment, take the time to complete the two assessments:

1. Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): This will give you insight into your personality type, strengths, and preferences. It is a self-report instrument that will help you understand how you approach leadership, communication, and decision-making.
2. Culture Map Personal Profile (CMPP): This tool will reveal your cultural preferences in action, including how you handle communication, feedback, decision-making, and conflict in multicultural settings.

Step 2: Create the PowerPoint for Your Presentation

Your PowerPoint will summarize the results of the MBTI and CMPP assessments and serve as the visual guide for your video presentation. Here’s how to structure it:

1. Title Slide:
   • Include the title of your presentation (e.g., “Understanding My Personality and Cultural Influences: MBTI and CMPP Analysis”).
   • Your name and date.
2. Slide 2-4: Overview of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
   • Explain what the MBTI is and how it works.
   • Provide a brief explanation of the four key dichotomies: Extraversion vs. Introversion, Sensing vs. Intuition, Thinking vs. Feeling, and Judging vs. Perceiving.
   • Include a slide that explains what your MBTI personality type is (e.g., INFJ, ESTP) and provide a brief summary of what it means.
3. Slide 5-7: Overview of Your Personality Type
   • Discuss whether you agree or disagree with your MBTI results and explain why.
   • What do your results imply about you in terms of leadership, communication, and decision-making?
   • Share any surprises or revelations that came from the assessment.
4. Slide 8-10: Cultural Map Personal Profile (CMPP)
   • Introduce the CMPP and explain how it complements the MBTI.
   • Highlight 2-3 cultural dimensions that are particularly relevant to your current job role and responsibilities (e.g., communicating, persuading, decision-making).
   • Reflect on how these preferences affect your behavior and interactions in a multicultural or organizational setting.
5. Slide 11-13: Correlation Between MBTI and CMPP
   • Analyze if there is a correlation between your MBTI personality type and your CMPP results.
   • Discuss how these two tools align or differ in terms of your personality and cultural preferences.
   • Use specific examples to explain your findings.
6. Slide 14: Conclusions and Implications
   • Summarize the key insights you gained from this assignment.
   • Discuss what you can do with these results in your personal and professional life. How can understanding these insights help you in leadership and organizational behavior?
7. Slide 15: Main Takeaway
   • Reflect on your key learning or takeaway from completing this assignment.
   • What is the one most important thing you learned about yourself or about how personality and culture influence organizational behavior?

Step 3: Create the Video Presentation

Your video presentation will bring your PowerPoint to life and showcase your understanding of the MBTI and CMPP assessments. Follow these steps for a successful presentation:

1. Prepare Your Script: Write a script that corresponds to each of the slides. You’ll need to explain the content clearly and concisely in 10 to 15 minutes. Practice your timing and ensure you cover each section thoroughly.
2. Recording the Video:
   • Set up a camera or webcam with clear audio and video quality.
   • Use the PowerPoint slides as a guide, presenting them while explaining the content in your own words.
   • Maintain a professional and engaging tone throughout the presentation. Be sure to speak clearly and avoid rushing through the material.
3. Keep Your Presentation Focused: Stick to the key points outlined in your PowerPoint slides, but make sure to engage your audience with your insights and personal reflections.

Step 4: Summary Paper

After recording your video presentation, write a summary paper that reflects on the following:

1. Introduction:
   • Introduce the purpose of the assignment and briefly describe the MBTI and CMPP assessments.
   • State how these tools contribute to understanding oneself in the context of organizational behavior.
2. Body:
   • Provide a detailed analysis of your MBTI results. Discuss the personality type you received and how it aligns with your behavior, strengths, and leadership style.
   • Analyze your CMPP results. Discuss the cultural dimensions you find most relevant to your job and how they affect your approach to decision-making, conflict resolution, and communication in multicultural settings.
   • Compare your MBTI and CMPP results and highlight any correlations you noticed.
3. Conclusion:
   • Summarize the key insights you gained from both assessments.
   • Reflect on how understanding your personality and cultural preferences will help you in your career, particularly in leadership and organizational roles.
   • What is your key takeaway from this assignment?

Step 5: Submit Your Work

Once you’ve completed your PowerPoint, video presentation, and summary paper, you’ll need to upload your work to the course platform.

• PowerPoint (at least 15 slides).
• Myers Briggs Type test results.
• Summary paper (3-5 pages, APA format).

Formatting and Submission Guidelines

• Length:
  • PowerPoint: 15 slides or more.
  • Summary Paper: 3-5 pages (double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font, APA format).
• Video Length: 10-15 minutes.
• Submit: PowerPoint, test results, and summary paper through your course platform.

By following this guide step-by-step, you’ll be able to create a well-organized and comprehensive presentation that meets all the assignment requirements. Best of luck!

Description
Management has heard rumors that a competitor’s redesign has made it more profitable but has also lead to morale problems. The executive team of Killer App Software has asked you to write a white paper that will inform them of the following:
How different organizational designs can impact employee behavior in a positive and productive manner
Why new organizational designs are constantly emerging as the world changes
How some of the newer organizational designs might improve the organization
The white paper should be appropriate for upper management. You should use at least 3 sources from the literature on organizational design and include both theoretical and practitioner-oriented sources.
Theoretical articles come from sources such as the Academy of Management. Trade associations and journals such as the Harvard Business Review often publish practitioner articles. The paper should be clear and to the point. Make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Use the APA reference guide for writing the white paper.

IT Concepts to Business Decisions
Case 4.2 Business Case: Carnival Seeks to Keep Passengers Happier at Sea with IoT, NFC and Edge Computing
A case study is a puzzle to be solved, so before reading and discussing the specific case questions below, develop your proposed solution by following these five steps:
Read the case study to identify the key issues and underlying issues. These issues are the principles and concepts of the course module which apply to the situation described in the case study.
Record the facts from the case study which are relevant to the principles and concepts of the module. The case may have extraneous information not relevant to the current course module. Your ability to differentiate between relevant and irrelevant information is an important aspect of case analysis, as it will inform the focus of your answers.
Describe in some detail the actions that would address or correct the situation.
Complete this initial analysis and then read the case study questions that follow here. Typically, you will already have the answers to the questions but with a broader consideration. At this point, you can add the details and/or analytical tools required to solve the case.
___________________________________________________________________
Case Study Questions:
Why did Carnival Cruise Line think the OceanMedallion would help increase their cruise sales?
What is the services component of the OceanMedallion called and what technologies does it use?
On how many Carnival cruise ships is the OceanMedallion used?
What services does the OceanMedallion Class offer to passengers?
What benefits do passengers enjoy from using an OceanMedallion?
Your well-written report should be 4-5 pages in length, not including the title and reference pages. To make it easier to read and therefore grade, make sure you clearly delineate each section of your answer so it can be matched with the relevant question. Use Saudi Electronic University academic writing standards and APA style guidelines, citing at least two references as appropriate. Review the grading rubric to see how you will be graded for this assignment.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Your Business Case Analysis:

1. Read the Case Study Thoroughly:
   • Carefully read the entire case study about Carnival Cruise Line’s implementation of the OceanMedallion technology. Identify the main issues and key details related to the business decisions being made. Keep track of any technological concepts that are part of the module you’re studying, such as IoT (Internet of Things), NFC (Near Field Communication), and edge computing.
2. Identify Key Issues:
   • As you read, note the key issues Carnival is facing, as well as the underlying causes. These could be related to customer satisfaction, sales growth, or operational challenges that the company is aiming to address with technology.
   • Focus on relevant information: Make sure you are only selecting the facts that directly relate to the concepts you’re supposed to discuss, such as the integration of IoT or the customer experience onboard.
3. Propose Solutions or Actions:
   • Based on your understanding, suggest actions that would address the key issues identified. For example, you might suggest strategies for leveraging the OceanMedallion more effectively to improve customer engagement or discuss the advantages of using edge computing in the travel and hospitality sector.
4. Answer the Case Study Questions:
   • Question 1: Why did Carnival Cruise Line think the OceanMedallion would help increase their cruise sales?
     • Provide an answer by discussing how the OceanMedallion technology enhances the passenger experience, improves operational efficiency, or creates a competitive edge in the cruise industry. Consider the role of personalized services and how it could attract more customers.
   • Question 2: What is the services component of the OceanMedallion called, and what technologies does it use?
     • Identify the specific name of the service component of the OceanMedallion. Discuss the key technologies involved, such as IoT, NFC, and edge computing, explaining how they work together to provide value.
   • Question 3: On how many Carnival cruise ships is the OceanMedallion used?
     • Provide the relevant statistic from the case study. This is likely a factual question, but be sure to clarify how this number fits into the broader discussion of Carnival’s investment in technology.
   • Question 4: What services does the OceanMedallion Class offer to passengers?
     • Outline the services provided to passengers through the OceanMedallion system, such as personalized onboard experiences, easy access to ship amenities, or faster service delivery.
   • Question 5: What benefits do passengers enjoy from using an OceanMedallion?
     • Discuss the benefits of using this technology from the passenger’s perspective. How does the OceanMedallion improve their cruise experience, and how does it contribute to customer satisfaction?
5. Format Your Report:
   • Introduction: Briefly introduce the case study, providing context and an overview of the key issues.
   • Body: Address each of the five questions with detailed, well-organized responses. Make sure each section clearly matches the relevant question and use appropriate examples from the case study.
   • Conclusion: Summarize the key takeaways from your analysis and provide any final thoughts on the effectiveness of the OceanMedallion system.
6. APA Style and Referencing:
   • Cite at least two academic sources in APA style. You can use sources related to IoT, NFC, edge computing, or customer service in the cruise industry to support your points.
   • Ensure you follow the Saudi Electronic University’s academic writing standards for clarity and coherence.
7. Final Review:
   • After completing your report, proofread for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors. Make sure your document is clearly structured and easy to read.
   • Ensure your answers are well-supported with examples, and your references are correctly cited in APA style.
8. Submission:
   • Once your report is complete, submit it on time according to the assignment guidelines, and ensure that it meets the required length (4-5 pages) excluding the title and reference pages.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to effectively analyze the Carnival Cruise Line case study and present your ideas in a well-organized and thoughtful report. Good luck!

Create 8 sets of null hypotheses followed by alternate hypotheses. I Have attached the document with our research questions and what we want to ask on the survey to better understand our research question. I have also attached a document to help with how the null and the alternate hypotheses should be written.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Obtain a sample raw data file (in Excel) with 48 months of property and comp set data (STR Number, Month Date, Subject Supply, Subject Demand, Subject Revenue, Comp Set Supply, Comp Set Demand, and Comp Set Revenue). Make a copy of the file from this link.
Insert 3 columns between columns E and F for Subject Occupancy (Subj Occ), Subject ADR (Subj ADR) and Subject RevPAR (Subj Rpr). Enter the KPI formulas and copy to all rows.
Use columns L, M, and N for Comp Set Occupancy (Comp Occ), Comp Set ADR (Comp ADR) and Comp Set RevPAR (Comp Rpr). Enter the KPI formulas and copy to all rows.
Insert a column after Subject Occupancy (between columns F and G) for Subject Occupancy Percent Change (Subj Occ %Chg). Insert a column after Subject ADR for Subject ADR Percent Change (Subj ADR %Chg) and insert a column after Subject RevPAR for Subject RevPAR Percent Change (Subj Rpr %Chg).
Enter the Percent Change formulas and copy to all rows. You will have to compare the “This Year” value to the “Last Year” value which appears 12 rows above. You will not be able to derive these metrics for the first year of data.
Insert columns after the Comp Set Occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR columns for those Percent Change numbers. Enter the formulas and copy to all rows.
Add columns at the end (U, V, and W) for Occupancy Index (Occ Indx), ADR Index (ADR Indx), and RevPAR Index (Rpr Indx). Enter the Index formulas and copy to all rows.
Insert a column after Occupancy Index (between columns U and V) for Occupancy Index Percent Change (Occ Indx %Chg). Insert a column after ADR Index for ADR Index Percent Change (ADR Indx %Chg) and insert a column after RevPAR Index for RevPAR Index Percent Change (Rpr Indx %Chg).
Enter the Index Percent Change formulas and copy to all rows. Use the same procedure as for the values. You will not be able to derive these metrics for the first year of data.
Optionally, you could use Excel to create graphs of the various metrics. Create a line graph of the three Index numbers (Occ, ADR, and RevPAR). Create a second line graph of the Index Percent Change numbers. What does this tell you about “your hotel” compared to the comp set?
Create a line graph for Occupancy (the actual value), one line for the Subject and another for the Comp Set. Create similar graphs for ADR and RevPAR. What does this tell you about the various KPIs?
Create similar graphs for the KPI Percent Changes of the Subject versus the Comp Set. You might be able to combine these on a single graph or you may find that is too busy. What does this tell you about the relative improvement of your hotel versus the comp set? You might find it interesting to graph the percent Changes for Supply, Demand, and Revenue.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide for the Excel Data Analysis Task

1. Obtain and Prepare the Data File:

• Download the raw data file from the provided link. Ensure it contains the following columns:
  • STR Number
  • Month Date
  • Subject Supply
  • Subject Demand
  • Subject Revenue
  • Comp Set Supply
  • Comp Set Demand
  • Comp Set Revenue

2. Insert New Columns for KPIs:

• Insert 3 columns between columns E and F for the following KPIs:
  • Subject Occupancy (Subj Occ): Occupancy is calculated as Subject Demand / Subject Supply.
  • Subject ADR (Subj ADR): ADR (Average Daily Rate) is calculated as Subject Revenue / Subject Demand.
  • Subject RevPAR (Subj Rpr): RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room) is calculated as Subject Revenue / Subject Supply.
• Formulas for Subject KPIs:
  • In column F (Subject Occupancy): =E2/D2 (copy down for all rows)
  • In column G (Subject ADR): =F2/D2 (copy down for all rows)
  • In column H (Subject RevPAR): =G2/E2 (copy down for all rows)

3. Insert Columns for Comp Set KPIs:

• Insert 3 columns after column N for the following KPIs:
  • Comp Set Occupancy (Comp Occ): Occupancy is calculated as Comp Set Demand / Comp Set Supply.
  • Comp Set ADR (Comp ADR): ADR (Average Daily Rate) is calculated as Comp Set Revenue / Comp Set Demand.
  • Comp Set RevPAR (Comp Rpr): RevPAR is calculated as Comp Set Revenue / Comp Set Supply.
• Formulas for Comp Set KPIs:
  • In column L (Comp Set Occupancy): =K2/J2 (copy down for all rows)
  • In column M (Comp Set ADR): =L2/J2 (copy down for all rows)
  • In column N (Comp Set RevPAR): =M2/K2 (copy down for all rows)

4. Insert Percent Change Columns for Subject KPIs:

• Insert columns after Subject KPIs for Percent Change calculations:
  • Subject Occupancy Percent Change (Subj Occ %Chg): Compare the current month’s occupancy to the same month from the previous year.
  • Subject ADR Percent Change (Subj ADR %Chg): Compare the current month’s ADR to the same month from the previous year.
  • Subject RevPAR Percent Change (Subj Rpr %Chg): Compare the current month’s RevPAR to the same month from the previous year.
• Formulas for Percent Change for Subject KPIs (starting from row 13):
  • For Subject Occupancy Percent Change: =(F13-F1)/F1*100 (copy down for all rows starting from row 13)
  • For Subject ADR Percent Change: =(G13-G1)/G1*100 (copy down for all rows starting from row 13)
  • For Subject RevPAR Percent Change: =(H13-H1)/H1*100 (copy down for all rows starting from row 13)

5. Insert Percent Change Columns for Comp Set KPIs:

• Insert columns after the Comp Set KPIs for Percent Change calculations:
  • Comp Set Occupancy Percent Change (Comp Occ %Chg): Compare the current month’s occupancy to the same month from the previous year.
  • Comp Set ADR Percent Change (Comp ADR %Chg): Compare the current month’s ADR to the same month from the previous year.
  • Comp Set RevPAR Percent Change (Comp Rpr %Chg): Compare the current month’s RevPAR to the same month from the previous year.
• Formulas for Percent Change for Comp Set KPIs (starting from row 13):
  • For Comp Set Occupancy Percent Change: =(L13-L1)/L1*100 (copy down for all rows starting from row 13)
  • For Comp Set ADR Percent Change: =(M13-M1)/M1*100 (copy down for all rows starting from row 13)
  • For Comp Set RevPAR Percent Change: =(N13-N1)/N1*100 (copy down for all rows starting from row 13)

6. Insert Index Columns:

• Insert columns at the end of the data (U, V, and W) for the following Index calculations:
  • Occupancy Index (Occ Indx): Compare Subject Occupancy to Comp Set Occupancy.
  • ADR Index (ADR Indx): Compare Subject ADR to Comp Set ADR.
  • RevPAR Index (Rpr Indx): Compare Subject RevPAR to Comp Set RevPAR.
• Formulas for Index Calculations:
  • Occupancy Index (U): =F2/L2 (copy down for all rows)
  • ADR Index (V): =G2/M2 (copy down for all rows)
  • RevPAR Index (W): =H2/N2 (copy down for all rows)

7. Insert Percent Change Columns for Indexes:

• Insert columns for Percent Change of the Indexes after columns U, V, and W:
  • Occupancy Index Percent Change (Occ Indx %Chg): Compare the current month’s Occupancy Index to the same month from the previous year.
  • ADR Index Percent Change (ADR Indx %Chg): Compare the current month’s ADR Index to the same month from the previous year.
  • RevPAR Index Percent Change (Rpr Indx %Chg): Compare the current month’s RevPAR Index to the same month from the previous year.
• Formulas for Percent Change for Indexes (starting from row 13):
  • For Occ Indx %Chg: =(U13-U1)/U1*100 (copy down for all rows starting from row 13)
  • For ADR Indx %Chg: =(V13-V1)/V1*100 (copy down for all rows starting from row 13)
  • For Rpr Indx %Chg: =(W13-W1)/W1*100 (copy down for all rows starting from row 13)

8. Create Graphs (Optional):

• Graph 1: Line graph of Index Values
  • Create a line graph with the Occupancy Index, ADR Index, and RevPAR Index to visualize performance over time for the Subject hotel compared to the Comp Set.
• Graph 2: Line graph of Index Percent Changes
  • Create a line graph of the Occupancy Index Percent Change, ADR Index Percent Change, and RevPAR Index Percent Change.
• Graph 3: Line graph for Subject and Comp Set KPIs
  • Create separate line graphs for Occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR values for both the Subject and Comp Set.
• Graph 4: Line graph for Percent Changes of the Subject vs. Comp Set
  • Plot Occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR Percent Changes for both the Subject and the Comp Set.
• Graph 5: Supply, Demand, and Revenue Percent Change Graph
  • Optionally, create graphs comparing the Percent Change for Supply, Demand, and Revenue for both the Subject and Comp Set.

9. Analyze the Results:

• Graph Insights:
  • The graphs will tell you whether your hotel is outperforming or underperforming the Comp Set in key KPIs such as Occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR.
  • Pay attention to the Percent Changes in KPIs to see whether your hotel is improving relative to the Comp Set.
  • Occupancy and Revenue indexes provide a quick way to see if your hotel is performing better or worse than the Comp Set.

With these steps, you can structure your Excel sheet to analyze property data over time effectively, comparing your hotel’s performance to the competitive set and visualizing the trends using graphs.

Part 2: Applying Systems Thinking Concepts
For Part 2 of your improvement plan (pp. 5–7), address the following:
Analyze how the concept of mental models is present at Starbucks and how this concept either negatively or positively affects the customer experience.
Analyze how the concepts of team learning and of building a shared vision could benefit Starbucks in terms of improving the customer experience, thereby improving customer satisfaction.
Propose a minimum of three recommendations, based on your analysis, that might improve the customer experience at Starbucks. Explain why.
Executive Summary
Provide Christine Day with an executive summary (p. 1) of your findings and recommendations for improvement. Address the following in your executive summary:
Clearly identify the purpose of the improvement plan.
Summarize the cause(s) of the low customer satisfaction (referencing the causal loop diagram in the main report).
Concisely synthesize the recommendations to improve customer satisfaction.
Refer to the Week 5

Executive Summary

Purpose of the Improvement Plan

The purpose of this improvement plan is to analyze Starbucks’ current customer experience issues through a systems thinking approach and recommend actionable strategies for improvement. By examining mental models, team learning, and shared vision, this plan identifies key factors affecting customer satisfaction and presents solutions for enhancing overall customer engagement.

Causes of Low Customer Satisfaction

Based on systems thinking principles, several interrelated factors contribute to Starbucks’ declining customer satisfaction, as reflected in a causal loop diagram:

1. Operational Inefficiencies – Increased focus on speed over quality has diminished personalized customer service.
2. Inconsistent Service – Variability in barista training and execution leads to inconsistent drink quality and customer interactions.
3. Shifting Mental Models – Employees may prioritize efficiency over creating a welcoming experience, impacting customer loyalty.

Key Recommendations for Improvement

To address these challenges, the following recommendations should be implemented:

1. Enhance Employee Training – Foster a culture of team learning by incorporating customer service excellence into Starbucks’ barista training programs.
2. Build a Shared Vision – Align employees with Starbucks’ mission of premium coffee and customer-centric service through internal engagement initiatives.
3. Leverage Mental Models for Improvement – Shift employee mindsets from a transactional to a relational approach, focusing on personalized interactions.

By implementing these recommendations, Starbucks can strengthen its customer satisfaction, improve service consistency, and reinforce brand loyalty.

Main Report: Applying Systems Thinking at Starbucks

Mental Models at Starbucks

Mental models shape how Starbucks employees perceive their roles and interact with customers. A positive mental model includes viewing Starbucks as a “third place” where customers feel valued and connected. However, when employees focus primarily on speed and efficiency due to operational pressure, this mental model negatively impacts customer experience, making interactions feel rushed and impersonal.

Impact on Customer Experience:

• Customers may feel less valued when transactions are robotic rather than engaging.
• A focus on speed may lead to more errors in drink preparation, reducing satisfaction.

The Role of Team Learning & Shared Vision

Encouraging team learning and fostering a shared vision can significantly enhance Starbucks’ service quality and customer experience.

Benefits:

1. Team Learning – Continuous learning opportunities empower employees to deliver consistent, high-quality service. By refining soft skills and coffee craftsmanship, Starbucks can ensure a better experience across all locations.
2. Shared Vision – When employees share Starbucks’ commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere, they are more likely to engage meaningfully with customers, leading to higher satisfaction.

Three Key Recommendations for Customer Experience Improvement

1. Personalized Service Training for Employees
   • Implement interactive training sessions emphasizing active listening, problem-solving, and customer engagement.
   • Regularly assess employee performance to reinforce Starbucks’ customer-first approach.
2. Revise Incentive Programs to Encourage Quality Over Speed
   • Shift performance metrics from transaction speed to customer satisfaction and service quality.
   • Offer bonuses or recognition programs for employees who consistently create positive customer interactions.
3. Strengthen Internal Communication & Feedback Loops
   • Establish a customer feedback-driven improvement system, where employees actively review customer insights to adjust service strategies.
   • Use technology to streamline internal communication, ensuring all employees are aligned with the latest service expectations.

Conclusion

By addressing mental models, fostering team learning, and reinforcing a shared vision, Starbucks can enhance the overall customer experience, improve satisfaction scores, and solidify its reputation as a customer-centric brand. Implementing these recommendations will ensure Starbucks maintains its competitive edge while meeting evolving consumer expectations.

Purpose
This midterm assignment will give you the opportunity to evaluate theories and models and identify barriers to change. This assignment will cover OD concepts and theories we have discussed so far. These concepts and theories include the following subjects:
Planned change theories
OD diagnostic processes
OD interventions
Change management
Internal and external consultants
Task
Choose an organizational development concept or theory from the readings and discussions. In a 5- to 7-page paper, discuss and build out the theory by applying it to an organization you are working for, have worked for, or are familiar with.
To complete the assignment, keep the following criteria in mind:
Be thorough as you apply the concept or theory to your organization.
Clearly identify the organization problem or issue and work through the chosen theory as you apply it to the organization.
You are expected to incorporate at least one of the following course objectives in your short paper:
Evaluate definitions, theories, and models of corporate culture
Identify the roles and relationships corporate culture has in organizational performance
Use a systems perspective in analyzing organizational conditions
Evaluate theories and models for managing change in organizations
Identify common barriers to effective change management
Prescribe appropriate OD strategies and techniques in applied settings

Your paper should be 5 to 7 pages long, excluding the cover and reference pages. Please follow guidelines for citations, quotations, and references. Use at least five scholarly resources that are dated within the last five years. You are strongly encouraged to use the required and reserved readings in this course, as well as peer-reviewed journal articles found through the UMUC library. Research methodology and problem analysis will be emphasized in the grading of this assignment.
This assignment is worth 20% of your final grade and addresses Course Objectives 4 and 5. You must complete this assignment individually, without contacting other students, and you may not use a paper or any part of a paper from a previous class or from another person. If you have questions about this assignment, please post them in the Ask the Professor discussion forum so that everyone can benefit from the answers.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Embarking on your midterm assignment can be streamlined by following a structured approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide to assist you:

1. Understand the Assignment Requirements

• Objective: Select an organizational development (OD) concept or theory and apply it to a familiar organization.
• Length: 5 to 7 pages, excluding cover and reference pages.
• Sources: Incorporate at least five scholarly resources from the past five years.
• Course Objectives: Ensure your paper addresses at least one of the following:
  • Evaluate definitions, theories, and models of corporate culture.
  • Identify the roles and relationships corporate culture has in organizational performance.
  • Use a systems perspective in analyzing organizational conditions.
  • Evaluate theories and models for managing change in organizations.
  • Identify common barriers to effective change management.
  • Prescribe appropriate OD strategies and techniques in applied settings.

2. Choose an OD Concept or Theory

• Review your course materials and select a theory that resonates with you. Examples include:
  • Planned Change Theories
  • OD Diagnostic Processes
  • OD Interventions
  • Change Management
  • Internal and External Consultants

3. Select an Organization

• Choose an organization you are working for, have worked for, or are familiar with. Ensure you have enough information to analyze its structure, culture, and challenges.

4. Conduct Preliminary Research

• Gather scholarly articles, books, and reputable sources related to your chosen OD concept and the organization.
• Focus on sources published within the last five years to ensure relevance.

5. Outline Your Paper

• Introduction
  • Introduce the OD concept or theory.
  • Present the organization you will analyze.
  • State the purpose of your paper.
• Literature Review
  • Discuss the selected OD theory in detail.
  • Summarize key findings from your research.
• Organizational Analysis
  • Describe the organization’s background, structure, and culture.
  • Identify a specific problem or issue within the organization.
• Application of OD Theory
  • Apply the chosen theory to the identified problem.
  • Analyze how the theory addresses the issue.
• Discussion
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the theory in this context.
  • Discuss potential barriers to change.
  • Propose OD strategies and techniques to overcome these barriers.
• Conclusion
  • Summarize key insights.
  • Reflect on the implications for the organization.

6. Write the Paper

• Follow your outline, ensuring each section is well-developed.
• Maintain a formal and academic tone throughout.
• Support your analysis with evidence from your research.

7. Cite Sources Properly

• Use the appropriate citation style as per your course guidelines.
• Ensure all sources are cited both in-text and in the reference list.

8. Review and Revise

• Proofread your paper for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy.
• Ensure you have met all assignment criteria.
• Consider seeking feedback from peers or utilizing writing centers.

9. Final Submission

• Prepare your cover and reference pages.
• Submit your paper by the deadline, ensuring all formatting requirements are met.

By following this structured approach, you’ll be well-equipped to craft a comprehensive and insightful paper that effectively applies organizational development theories to real-world scenarios.

Discuss one of the two following questions:
(Make sure to provide support (secondary sources) for your responses, with both in-text citations and references.)
If strategic management is a straightforward concept, then why do many firms have difficulty formulating and executing effective strategies? The answers to the DQs should be concise and should not exceed 200 words. Each response must include
at least one outside reference listed at the end of the response and cited within the discussion in proper
APA style. If the source is available on the Internet, the source should be hyperlinked.
Henry Mintzberg’s argument is that strategic management is an artistic endeavor. If he’s right, then what value is there in systematic approaches to strategic planning such as those elaborated in this textbook (and most others)? Please use the sources to answer the post.
Readings & Resources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuYlGRnC7J8

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you effectively structure and write your paper on the provided discussion questions (DQs):

1. Understand the Question: Begin by reading both questions carefully. Think about the core concepts being asked, like strategic management, Mintzberg’s views, and the connection to systematic approaches. Reflect on how these concepts relate to the broader context of strategic management.
2. Research: Review your course materials, including the readings and the provided YouTube videos. Focus on finding secondary sources that explain Mintzberg’s argument and discuss why strategic management can be difficult for firms. Use academic articles, books, or other reliable sources that offer insights and evidence.
3. Develop a Clear Thesis Statement: Your thesis should provide a concise response to the question. For example:
   • For the first DQ, your thesis could argue that while strategic management is a straightforward concept, its execution can be complicated due to factors like organizational culture, lack of resources, and external environmental changes.
   • For the second DQ, your thesis could state that while Mintzberg emphasizes the artistic nature of strategy, systematic approaches still offer value by providing structure, consistency, and accountability.
4. Introduce Your Discussion: Start by introducing the question you’re addressing. Give a brief explanation of key concepts like strategic management and Mintzberg’s argument. This sets the stage for your argument and ensures the reader understands the context.
5. Support Your Argument with Evidence: In the body of your response, use secondary sources to support your viewpoint. For example, you might cite an article that explains the challenges of strategy execution or another that discusses the benefits of systematic approaches. Ensure each claim you make is backed by research and real-world examples.
6. Conclude Your Discussion: Your conclusion should summarize your main points and reaffirm your thesis. You might add a statement on the importance of balancing artistic and systematic elements in strategic management.
7. Cite Your Sources Properly: Ensure all your references are in APA style. You must include in-text citations as well as a list of references at the end of your response. Check the formatting guidelines carefully to avoid mistakes.
8. Edit and Proofread: Once you’ve written your response, take time to review your work for clarity, structure, and grammar. Ensure your argument flows logically and that your citations are accurate.

This presentation showcases consumer behaviour including their purchase and post purchase behaviour and market segmentation. Through gathering primary and secondary data of a particular store, restaurant or cafe.
In this presentation we will research Alnatura which is a chain of organic supermarkets. We will visit the store multiple times (in morning of a weekday) (in the afternoon of a weekday) (in the morning of a weekend) (in the afternoon of a weekend). we will observe customers demographics and their behaviour. We will then ask customers if they would like to do a survey. It’s also important to consider that most Alnatura stores tend to be small/ medium sized. So we may be able to interview less than a handful of people during the weekday. Although possibly more during the weekend. We should also consider that some of them may not speak English or may simple not have time to be asked questions.
Here are some survey questions to gather valuable consumer data;
Demographics
1. What is your age range?
– Under 18
– 18-24
– 25-34
– 35-44
– 45-54
– 55-64
– 65+
2. What is your gender?
– Male
– Female
4. How far do you live from our store?
– Under 1 mile
– 1-5 miles
– 5-10 miles
– Over 10 miles
Shopping Habits
5. How often do you shop for groceries?
– Daily
– 2-3 times a week
– Once a week
– Less than once a week
6. What factors influence your choice of grocery store? (Check all that apply)
– Price
– Product quality
– Availability of organic/all-natural items
– Store location
– Variety of products
– Sustainability practices
7. How much do you typically spend on groceries per week?
– Less than $50
– $50–$100
– $100–$150
– Over $150
8. What time of day do you prefer to shop for groceries?
– Morning
– Afternoon
– Evening
Would you like me to refine or focus on any specific areas of this survey?
—
Preferences
9. What types of products do you prioritize? (Rank or select top 3)
– Fresh produce
– Organic snacks
– Natural beauty/personal care products
– Gluten-free items
– Dairy alternatives
– Plant-based proteins
– Sustainable household items
10. What is most important to you when choosing products?
– Organic certification
– Non-GMO ingredients
– Locally sourced
– Fair trade
11. Do you consider environmental sustainability when shopping for groceries?
– Always
– Sometimes
– Rarely
– Never
Experience
12. Have you shopped at Alnatura before?
– Yes
– No
13. If yes, what keeps you coming back? (Open-ended)
14. If no, what would motivate you to shop with us? (Open-ended)
15. How would you rate your satisfaction with the following aspects of our store and why? (Scale of 1-5)
– Product variety
– Pricing
– Customer service
– Cleanliness
– Store layout
16. What additional products or services would you like Alnatura to offer? (Open-ended)
Afterwards we will present the data we’ve gathered from the store through observations, questionnaires and secondary data and present it in a PowerPoint in the form of charts and graphs.

Discuss one of the two following questions:
(Make sure to provide support (secondary sources) for your responses, with both in-text citations and references.)
Is it possible to predict changes in social trends far enough in advance to capitalize on them without significant risks?
What industries will experience the most significant changes over the next decade because of rapid technological change? Each response must include at least one outside reference listed at the end of the response and cited within the discussion in proper APA style. Please use the rubric and Reading and resources to answer the question.
Use Rubric and Reading Resources: