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 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 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.

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).

Discuss Leading Change
The discussion board this week centers on the change mana

Discuss Leading Change
The discussion board this week centers on the change management process and the role of a leader. This is a great opportunity for you to reflect on your experiences with leading or being led through a change process.
Apply Your Knowledge. After reviewing the M3.2 Required Readings  and the Honoring a legacy and embracing change Download Honoring a legacy and embracing change (Hafery, 2016) case study, answer the following questions:
What are the key leadership qualities that you have seen come to life in the case study that helped this organization through the change process?
What leadership qualities do you feel are important to exhibit during a change process? Why?
Please share a change experience you have led or been a part of that demonstrated the value of effective leadership during a change process.

Contingency Planning
The pandemic, supply chain disruption, and war in Europe me

Contingency Planning
The pandemic, supply chain disruption, and war in Europe meant that project managers needed to be flexible. Using resources published in the last 18 months, share expert advice on project decisions like tradeoffs regarding scope, time, cost, and quality and alternatives in system resource allocation. (1½ pages)
Gantt Charts
Explain how Gantt Charts are applied in project management along with their advantages/disadvantages. In what stages should Gantt Charts be used? 
Describe how Gantt Chart software tools help the manager administer a project. 
(Research Support Required). (3/4 of a page)
PERT Charts
Explain how PERT Charts are applied in project management along with their advantages/disadvantages. In what stages should PERT Charts be used? 
Describe how PERT Chart 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” 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. 

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.

Agile Project Management 
This SLP focuses on Agile project management, Scrum an

Agile Project Management 
This SLP focuses on Agile project management, Scrum and Kanban.
Agile vs. Traditional
Using research published in the last 18 months, compare agile vs. traditional project management methodology and approach. Include an overview of industries that can benefit from agile. (1 page)
Scrum
Explain how Scrum is applied in project management, why it is considered agile, and its advantages/disadvantages. 
Describe how Scrum software tools help the manager administer a project. 
(Research Support Required). (1 page)
Kanban
Explain how Kanban is applied in project management, why it is considered agile, and its advantages/disadvantages. 
Describe how Kanban software tools help the manager administer a project. 
(Research Support Required). (1 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.

In this module, we reviewed the change management process in an organization an

In this module, we reviewed the change management process in an organization and the role a leader takes on in that process. Think about how this module’s content and outcomes impacts your personal, educational, and professional life?  Are there areas in which challenged you?  Areas that you would like to explore further?  These questions are meant only to spark your reflection, you do not have to answer them all.
You are free to write as little or as much as you want. This is a place for you to share thoughts and questions. Only I will see your responses, and I will respond based upon what you write. There is no right or wrong answers in this activity.  Your response should focus on you and your learning.
This activity is evaluated based on the Reflection Grading Rubric. The Reflection activities combined are worth 5% of your overall grade.

Discuss Key Elements of a Motivated Team
The discussion board this week will pro

Discuss Key Elements of a Motivated Team
The discussion board this week will provide you with an opportunity to reflect on what factors are present within highly effective teams. As a leader, understanding the dynamics of a high-performing team and how to create a culture of synergy is an important skill to learn.
Apply Your Knowledge. After reviewing the TED TALKS and articles located within your M4.2 Required Readings, please answer the following questions:
What are the key leadership qualities that contribute to the development of a motivated and synergistic team?
Which of these leadership traits do you feel you possess? Please give at least one example of how you have utilized your leadership skills to develop a team and move that team towards solving a problem or achieving a goal.