Category: Business and Management : Business

  • A Conservation Biologist with the Arizona Game & Fish Department has been tasked

    A Conservation Biologist with the Arizona Game & Fish Department has been tasked

    A Conservation Biologist with the Arizona Game & Fish Department has been tasked with estimating the population size of elk in the Kaibab National Forest. What method might she use to determine approximately how many elk are present? What might be a possible disadvantage to using this method to estimate animal population sizes?

  • Paper: An Overview of Business Ethics and Ethical Theories In Business Ethics: A

    Paper: An Overview of Business Ethics and Ethical Theories
    In Business Ethics: A

    Paper: An Overview of Business Ethics and Ethical Theories
    In Business Ethics: A Textbook with Cases, William H. Shaw introduces readers to the complex field of business ethics, setting the stage for deeper exploration of ethical issues in the corporate world. The first three chapters lay the groundwork by defining business ethics, exploring various ethical theories, and discussing theories of justice. These chapters emphasize the critical importance of moral reasoning in business decision-making and provide the reader with the necessary tools to evaluate ethical dilemmas in business settings.
    Chapter 1: Introduction to Business Ethics
    In the opening chapter, Shaw defines business ethics as the application of moral principles to the behavior of individuals and organizations in the business world. He highlights that businesses are not isolated entities but are part of larger social structures and have responsibilities to various stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and the broader community. Ethical issues in business arise when the interests of these groups conflict, requiring leaders to navigate moral dilemmas such as fairness, honesty, and transparency.
    Shaw emphasizes the difference between legal and ethical requirements, pointing out that just because something is legal, it is not necessarily ethical. For example, companies may comply with the law but engage in practices that harm the environment or exploit workers. Thus, business ethics goes beyond adherence to the law, urging companies to adopt ethical standards that promote societal well-being. The chapter also introduces the concept of “ethical decision-making,” urging business leaders to not only consider the financial outcomes of their decisions but also the ethical consequences.
    Chapter 2: Ethical Theories and Business
    The second chapter delves into key ethical theories that provide frameworks for analyzing ethical problems in business. Shaw explores several major philosophical approaches that guide moral decision-making, starting with utilitarianism. This theory, proposed by philosophers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, suggests that the morally right decision is the one that produces the greatest good for the greatest number. While utilitarianism offers a clear method for decision-making, Shaw highlights its potential shortcomings, such as justifying actions that harm a minority if the overall benefits outweigh the harm.
    The chapter also covers deontology, a moral philosophy developed by Immanuel Kant. Deontology emphasizes duties and rules, suggesting that individuals have an obligation to follow ethical principles, regardless of the consequences. This theory stresses the importance of respecting individuals’ rights and treating them as ends in themselves rather than as means to an end. In the business context, deontology can be used to evaluate actions that might be legally profitable but morally questionable, such as exploiting workers or misleading consumers.
    Shaw further explores virtue ethics, which focuses on the character and moral development of the individual rather than on the specific actions they take. According to virtue ethics, business leaders should cultivate virtues like honesty, integrity, and fairness, as these qualities are essential for making ethically sound decisions. Shaw argues that virtue ethics helps to foster a culture of ethical behavior within organizations, where moral character guides decision-making.
    Finally, social contract theory is introduced as an ethical framework based on the idea that individuals in society implicitly agree to abide by certain rules for mutual benefit. In business, this theory can guide companies to act in ways that align with societal expectations and contribute to the common good.
    Chapter 3: Theories of Justice
    The third chapter addresses theories of justice, focusing on how fairness can be achieved in business decisions. Shaw begins by discussing distributive justice, which concerns the fair distribution of resources and opportunities. This theory is concerned with issues such as wage disparity, access to education, and healthcare. In business, distributive justice can be applied to ensure that employees are compensated fairly and that benefits are distributed in a way that promotes equality and opportunity.
    Retributive justice is another key theory explored in this chapter. It concerns the fair punishment of wrongdoings, advocating for a system of justice that delivers consequences proportionate to the offense. This theory can be applied in business settings when considering the appropriate response to unethical behavior, such as fraud or corporate misconduct.
    Shaw also discusses compensatory justice, which involves providing compensation or restitution to individuals who have been wronged. In a business context, this might involve companies offering reparations to customers or communities that have suffered harm due to unethical business practices. This theory emphasizes the need for businesses to take responsibility for their actions and make amends when harm has been caused.
    A significant contribution of the chapter is the introduction of John Rawls’ theory of justice, particularly his “original position” and “veil of ignorance” concepts. Rawls suggests that in designing a just society, individuals should make decisions as though they do not know their own social or economic status. This ensures that principles of justice are chosen impartially, with consideration for the well-being of all members of society, especially the most vulnerable.
    Conclusion
    The first three chapters of Business Ethics: A Textbook with Cases provide a solid foundation for understanding the ethical challenges businesses face and the philosophical frameworks that guide ethical decision-making. Shaw’s exploration of business ethics, ethical theories, and theories of justice offers invaluable insights for business leaders, managers, and professionals, helping them navigate complex moral dilemmas in their work. By applying these ethical theories, businesses can strive to make decisions that not only promote profit but also contribute to the common good, ensuring that their practices align with both legal requirements and moral principles. The discussions presented in these chapters underscore the importance of fostering an ethical business culture that prioritizes fairness, integrity, and responsibility.

  • Discuss Entrepreneurial and Sustainability mindsets coming to life! The discussi

    Discuss Entrepreneurial and Sustainability mindsets coming to life!
    The discussi

    Discuss Entrepreneurial and Sustainability mindsets coming to life!
    The discussion board this week will provide you with an opportunity to reflect on what factors are present in an organization that supports entrepreneurial and sustainable thinking!
    Apply Your Knowledge. After reviewing the TED TALKS and articles located within your M5.2 Required Readings, please answer the following questions:
    What entrepreneurial strategies can you employ to build sustainability in your life?
    Please share some specific ideas that will impact both your personal and professional quality of life.
    Howard, S. (2013). Let’s go all-in on selling sustainability. TedTalk. [Video: 13:15 minutes]. Closed Captioned.
    Tyler, O. (2017). The complex path of sustainability. TedTalk. [Video: 7:44 minutes]. Closed Captioned.
    Online Articles and Resources
    Hayton, J., & Cacciotti, G. (2014). Is there an entrepreneurial culture? A review of empirical research. Enterprise Research Centre.
    International Institute of Sustainable Development. (n.d.). Sustainable business practices: IISD’s checklist. BSD Global.
    Revzin, S., & Revzin, V. (2018). How to encourage entrepreneurial thinking on your team. Harvard Business Review: Developing Employees.

  • A “White Paper” on Sustainability in Project Management Using the module’s readi

    A “White Paper” on Sustainability in Project Management
    Using the module’s readi

    A “White Paper” on Sustainability in Project Management
    Using the module’s readings and other research (not more than 18 months old), write a white paperon managing sustainable projects.
    Background
    Explain sustainability using environmentally friendly as the scope. Include why it matters. (1 page) Research Required. 
    Why Organizations are Hesitant 
    Discuss reasons why organizations are hesitant to incorporate sustainability in projects. (1 page) Research Required.
    The role of Technology in Sustainability Efforts
    Report on how technology supports sustainability efforts in project management. (1 page) Research Required. 
    Obstacles for Project Organizations to Achieve Sustainability Goals
    Provide information on obstacles that organizations face in the sustainability process. (1 page) Research Required.
    No quotations are permitted in this paper. Each paragraph (except the introduction and conclusion) must contain at least one in-text citation.
    Since you are engaging in research, cite and reference the sources in APA format. NOTE: failure to use research with accompanying citations to support content will result in reduced scoring “Level 2-Developing” on the grading rubric. 
    This is a professional paper, not a personal one based on feelings. It must be written in the third person. This means words like “I,” “we,” and “you” are not appropriate. 

  • Project Management Steps  According to the PMBOK Guide(Project Management Body o

    Project Management Steps 
    According to the PMBOK Guide(Project Management Body o

    Project Management Steps 
    According to the PMBOK Guide(Project Management Body of Knowledge), the project life cycle is made up of five phases: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure.
    Research each of the five steps and provide an overview of tasks as well as areas of concern a project manager should consider in each stage. (1 ½ pages)
    Critical Path Method (CPM)
    Explain how Critical Path Method (CPM) is applied in project management along with its advantages/disadvantages. In what stages should CPM be used? 
    Describe how CPM software tools help the manager administer a project. 
    (Research Support Required). (3/4 of a page)
    Work breakdown structure (WBS)
    Explain how a Work breakdown structure (WBS) is used in project management along with its advantages/disadvantages. In what stages should a WBS be used? 
    Describe how Work breakdown structure (WBS) software tools help the manager administer a project. 
    (Research Support Required). (3/4 of a page)
    No quotations are permitted in this paper. Since you are engaging in research, cite and reference the sources in APA format. NOTE: failure to use research with accompanying citations to support content will result in reduced scoring “Level 2-Developing” across the grading rubric. This is a professional paper, not a personal one based on feelings. It must be written in the third person. This means words like “I,” “we,” and “you” are not appropriate.

  • Submit a 4- to 5-page paper that addresses the following questions. Be sure to u

    Submit a 4- to 5-page paper that addresses the following questions. Be sure to u

    Submit a 4- to 5-page paper that addresses the following questions. Be sure to use references within the paper to support your answers.
    Are credit cards or debit cards money? Explain your answer.
    “When the Fed makes an open market purchase of government securities, the quantity of money will eventually decrease by a fraction of the initial change in the monetary base.” Is the previous statement correct or incorrect? Explain your answer.
    Monetary policy is action taken by the Fed to influence the level of real GDP. Suppose the Fed wants to increase the money supply. What three tools could the Fed use to achieve this goal? Be specific in your answer and discuss the implications of this policy.

  • In this, the third part of your Capstone Project, you are submitting an abstract

    In this, the third part of your Capstone Project, you are submitting an abstract

    In this, the third part of your Capstone Project, you are submitting an abstract and outline for your final project. The Capstone Project Overview contains information on each of the sections and milestones for this course-long project.
    Assignment Instructions
    The Outline and Abstract will include a detailed outline of your final project. By this time, you have a clear pathway for your paper. Your detailed outline should include:
    A clear pathway for your project including headings that outline the detail of your content.
    A 150-word abstract that summarizes the key elements of your project.

  • Skills to Harness Disruptive Technology The digital landscape is changing. Organ

    Skills to Harness Disruptive Technology
    The digital landscape is changing. Organ

    Skills to Harness Disruptive Technology
    The digital landscape is changing. Organizations can be left behind or remain competitive when deciding whether to apply technology to projects. 
    Cloud Solutions
    Using research published over the last 18 months, explain how cloud solutions are used in project management (3/4 of a page).
    The Internet of Things (IoT)
    Using research published over the last 18 months, explain how IoT is used in project management (3/4 of a page).
    Artificial Intelligence (AI) 
    Using research published over the last 18 months, explain how AI is used in project management (3/4 of a page).
    Blockchain
    Using research published over the last 18 months, explain how blockchain is used in project management (3/4 of a page).
    Technology and Project Management
    Provide a synopsis of other technology changes and trends that lie ahead for project managers, using research published over the last 18 months (1 page).

  • Explain the difference between positive and normative economics. Give a real-tim

    Explain the difference between positive and normative economics. Give a real-tim

    Explain the difference between positive and normative economics. Give a real-time example of each that you found in doing some outside research.
    After doing some additional research on your own along with the assigned reading on public goods, answer the following questions:
    What are the two main characteristics of this type of good?
    What is the biggest “problem” with allocating public goods?
    Do you think the government should have a role in allocating public goods, or should goods be privatized?
    Here’s a great site that offers definitions and examples of economic terms literally from A to Z; https://tinyurl.com/6rxna6a