Culminating Task: Business Leadership Application Project
Overview:
This culminating task challenges students to apply their knowledge of management fundamentals to a real-world organization of their choice.
Divided into five sections, students will analyze different aspects of the organization and propose recommendations for improvement based on course concepts.
Total Word Count: 2000 words (Each section approximately 450-500 words)
In-text citations and an MLA or APA Bibliography at the end are mandatory.
Instructions:
Written Report:
1. Choose an organization: Select a real-world organization and analyze the same organization throughout the project.
2. Complete Sections: Address each section of the task, focusing on different areas of management and leadership.
3. Provide Recommendations: At the end of each section, offer actionable recommendations for improving management practices in that area.
Presentation:
4. Present Findings: Accompanying your written report will be a presentation as well. Prepare a presentation summarizing your analysis and recommendations for the chosen organization.
5. Submit: Submit your completed project, including written analyses and presentation materials, by May 24, 2024.
Section 1: Foundations of Management – Assessing the Role of Management
Tasks:
1. Select a real-world organization and assess its management structure and practices.
2. Evaluate the clarity and effectiveness of the organization’s management hierarchy, organizational structure and decision-making processes.
3. Evaluate the organization’s communication strategies for clarity, transparency, and inclusivity.
4. Consider implementing a more inclusive management approach to foster employee engagement and innovation.
5. Recommend training programs to promote ethical decision-making and raise awareness of social responsibility among employees.
6. Propose initiatives to foster a culture of open communication, ethical behavior, and community engagement within the organization.
Section 2: Leading – Applying Leadership Theories
Tasks:
1. Examine the leadership dynamics within your chosen organization.
2. Assess the alignment between leadership practices and organizational objectives.
3. Evaluate the leadership styles and behaviors exhibited by key leaders within the organization. Apply various motivation and leadership theories discussed in the course to analyze the effectiveness of the organization’s leaders by identifying their strengths and weaknesses as a leader.
4. Identify areas where leadership effectiveness can be enhanced to improve employee engagement, productivity, and organizational performance.
5. Recommend leadership development initiatives tailored to address specific leadership gaps identified within the organization.
6. Propose strategies for fostering a positive leadership culture that promotes trust, collaboration, and empowerment.
Section 3: Management Challenges – Addressing Communication, Stress, and Conflict
Tasks:
1. Identify sources of workplace stress and assess the impact on employee well-being and organizational performance.
2. Investigate how your selected organization manages communication, stress, and conflict in the workplace.
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of current conflict resolution processes and procedures and assess the effectiveness of current communication channels and protocols within the organization.
4. Recommend strategies for improving internal communication, such as implementing regular team meetings, utilizing collaboration tools, or establishing feedback mechanisms.
5. Recommend stress management initiatives, such as wellness programs, mindfulness training, or flexible work arrangements, to support employee resilience and work-life balance.
6. Advocate for a culture of constructive conflict management that encourages respectful communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Section 4: Planning and Controlling – Strategic Planning and Change Management
Tasks:
1. Conduct a SWOT analysis to assess the organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
2. Develop SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals and objectives aligned with the organization’s mission and vision.
3. Recommend strategic initiatives and action plans to achieve short-term and long-term organizational objectives, considering market trends and competitive landscape.
4. Recommend change management strategies, such as communication plans, stakeholder engagement strategies, and training programs, to facilitate successful change implementation.
5. Advocate for a proactive approach to change management that anticipates potential challenges and mitigates resistance through effective communication and employee involvement.
6. Advocate for a culture of continuous improvement and learning that embraces feedback, experimentation, and adaptation to drive organizational success.
Section 5: Organizing – Optimizing Organizational Structure and Human Resources
Tasks:
1. Assess the current organizational structure for its ability to facilitate communication, collaboration, and decision-making.
2. Recommend structural changes, such as flattening hierarchies, decentralizing decision-making, or redesigning departmental boundaries, to improve agility and responsiveness.
3. Recommend strategies for attracting and retaining top talent, such as competitive compensation packages, career development opportunities, and employee recognition programs.
4. Recommend strategies for preventing and resolving conflicts, such as establishing clear expectations, promoting open dialogue, or implementing mediation or arbitration mechanisms.
5. Advocate for diversity and inclusion initiatives to create a more equitable and inclusive workplace culture that values and leverages diverse perspectives and experiences.
6. Advocate for ongoing training and development opportunities for HR professionals to stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in human resource management
