It’s Week 3 and we have ANOTHER case study to complete. How do we do that? Easy!

Look in the conversations area for detailed STEP by STEP instructional posts on how to complete each part of the case study (Q1 is posted on Wednesday, Q2 is posted on Thursday, Q3 is posted on Friday and Q4 is posted on Saturday). To access the conversations area for this assignment, click on the small icon in the upper right corner of your screen that looks like a person with a square talk balloon next to its head.

WHEN YOU ARE COMPLETE WITH YOUR CASE STUDY, PLEASE UPLOAD IT HERE TO THE CASE STUDY ASSIGNMENT AREA by clicking on the black “view assessment” button on this screen.

It is recommended that you use the case study detailed instruction posts like you would a recipe. Have excel up and running as you review each step in the detailed instructional post. Create your secret sauce of statistical success by working step by step in real time. You WILL like how this secret sauce tastes. While you are welcome to post questions or thoughts in this thread, please remember that any posts made will NOT count toward your weekly discussion grade.

Happy solving! Here is the full case study for week 3:

 Three hundred consumers between 21 and 49 years old were randomly selected. After sampling a new wine cooler, each was asked to rate the appeal of the phrase “Not sweet like wine coolers, not filling like beer, and more refreshing than wine or mixed drinks” as it relates to the new wine cooler. The rating was made on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 representing “extremely appealing” and 1 representing “not at all appealing.” 

As a manager overseeing the development of the concept, you bottled the wine cooler and placed it into distribution in one test store. Your manager has asked you to assess the data and determine the most likely customer based on the ratings. Additionally, your manager would like you to review sales in the test store.

In Weeks 2-5 we have a case study to complete. That sounds great and lots of fun! How can we go about making this wonderful thing happen in our lives?

Easy!

You FIRST do your work in excel answering problems utilizing new-found statistical knowledge. Then SECOND, you upload your excel work to get points for your successes! To upload your assignment, click on the black “view assessment” button on this screen (you may need to scroll down to see it).

Isn’t that awesome? In fact, is there ANY way that this could get any better?

Case in point, there is!

Look in the conversations area for detailed instructional posts on how to complete each part of the case study (Q1 and Q2 are posted on Wednesday, Q3 and Q4 are posted on Thursday, amd Q5 and Q6 are posted on Friday).

To access the conversations area for this assignment, click on the small icon in the upper right corner of your screen that looks like a person with a square talk balloon next to its head.

It is recommended that you use it like you would a recipe. Have excel up and running as you review each step in the detailed instructional post. Create your secret sauce of statistical success by working step by step in real time. You WILL like how this secret sauce tastes. You are welcome to post questions or thoughts in this thread. To post a question or your thoughts on the case study, click on the small icon in the upper right corner of your screen that looks like a person with a square talk balloon next to its head.

Happy solving!

Here are the details for our week 2 Case study:

You manage the inventory for a car dealership. Data on current inventory can be found in the week 2 data set excel file.

Management would like you to assess current inventory on the dealership lot.

Using the Week 2 Data Set, create and calculate the following in Microsoft® Excel®:

1. Create a pie chart which summarizes the colors of the cars in the sample.

2. Create a bar chart which summarizes the number of each of the models of cars in the sample.

3. Create a frequency table for classes of MPG, including frequency and relative frequency for the cars in the sample.

4. Calculate the mean Days in Inventory for the cars in the sample. Also, do the following:

• Compare the mean to the median and the mode.
• Highlight the value that would be a better representation of the “typical” price of a car in inventory.

5. Calculate the standard deviation of the Days in Inventory for the cars in the sample.

6. Calculate the 5 number summary for the suggested retail prices of the cars in the sample. This consists of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th quartile, and the IQR.

Class, this is the final forum of the course.  From our readings from Week 8, we see that the field of emergency management including the Incident Command System and NIMS have changed drastically over the years.  The NIC has been developed in order to make sure that our incident management systems are as efficient and effective as possible.  Going forward, there will inevitably be changes that will positively impact our emergency response and disaster planning organizations.  In the past 50 years we have seen significant changes to the field of emergency management in our country.  Some of the notable turning points in the field of emergency management include the following:

• 1974 – Disaster Relief Act of 1974– The Disaster Relief Act of 1974 authorized the president of the United States to implement a program of disaster preparedness and relief aid that would enable use of all federal agencies.  The Disaster Relief Act of 1974 states that any federal assistance offered is dependent upon the president authorizing such aid in the form of issuing a declaration.
• 1979 – FEMA is created.
• 1988 – Stafford Act– Part of the reason for the change from the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 to the Stafford Act was the fact that the federal government was concerned about expanding disaster declarations beyond only natural disasters, and this included other types of incidents such as technological disasters (Three Mile Island in PA) and other instances outside the scope of natural disasters.  Terrorism is not yet included.  Federal assistance could be requested by the state on behalf of either the local government or state government.  However, the request from the state must come from the governor.
• 2002 – Homeland Security Act– The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks resulted in the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  FEMA is now included under the umbrella of DHS.
  • HSPD-5 established the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the National Response Plan (NRP).
  • HSPD-8 established policies to strengthen the preparedness of the United States to prevent and respond to threatened or actual domestic terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies by requiring a national domestic all-hazards preparedness goal, establishing mechanisms for improved delivery of Federal preparedness assistance to State and local governments, and outlining actions to strengthen preparedness capabilities of Federal, State, and local entities.
• 2005 – Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act – the performance of FEMA and other emergency management agencies during Hurricane Katrina results in the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (PKEMRA) of 2006.  The act enhances FEMA’s responsibilities and its autonomy within DHS.  Significant and meaningful changes to FEMA were made to increase preparedness levels of the general population and aid in mitigation and resilience efforts.  These changes also included incident management assistance teams, pre-positioning of resources, expedited federal services, and including considerations for individuals with special needs.
• 2012 – Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 – Hurricane Sandy was the first major test for FEMA after Hurricane Katrina prompted the changes seen in the PKEMRA.  SRIA changes the way that FEMA can deliver federal disaster assistance to survivors.  Further improvements to disaster assistance are included in the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018.

For this final forum, compare and contrast the responses to Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy (or another hurricane of your choosing after Sandy).  Make sure to focus on the changes to FEMA as a result of the PKEMRA of 2006.  Report on two areas where improvements were made in the response and incident management between Katrina in 2005 and Sandy or another hurricane occurring in 2012 or beyond.  Also address how you think ICS, NIMS and the field of emergency management will continue to adapt and change in order to meet future challenges.

• Minimum four (4) pages in length, not including a title page, reference page, and the chart of developmental factors and linkages.
• Formatted in APA style.
• A minimum of 8 in-text citations from the textbook are required + 1 additional scholarly source
• Use the textbook chapters and the Module 2 CDC links to complete the assignment.

Assignment Instructions

This purpose of this assignment is three-fold:

1. 1. to identify risk factors and ACEs,
   2. to track the possible influence of these over time by identifying associated developmental outcomes occurring in the short and long term, and
   3. to identify protective factors and signs of resilience.

The assignment has two parts.

First, review the Kristopher case study and create a chart of

1. a)risk factors, ACEs, and other concerns,
   b)immediate and longer developmental outcomes related to the risk factors and ACEs, and
   c) protective factors and evidence of resilience.

Then, compose a 4-page paper identifying additional, realistic, protective factors or supports that could positively influence Kristopher’s future development and level of resilience.

Part 1 – Chart of Factors and Related Outcomes: When reading the following case study about 14-year-old Kristopher, keep in mind Berk (2018) chapters 1-6 and the unit discussion about childhood abuse, neglect, and other ACEs. Starting at the beginning of Kristopher’s life, develop a table or chart identifying:

1. Risk factors and/or ACEs Kristopher experienced, and other concerns you have about Kristopher’s development.
2. More immediate and longer-term developmental outcomes (e.g., developmental delays, difficulty progressing through Erikson’s stages, attachment difficulties) displayed by Kristopher that are associated with the risk factors, ACEs, and concerns.
3. Protective factors or signs of resilience.

Notes: A sample chart is included in the assignment. Also, be sure to link the risk factors and ACEs to more immediate and longer-term developmental outcomes. For example, consider a person who abuses alcohol and other substances; was s/he:

1. 1. 1. Born to parents who abuse substances;
      2. Living in a home where substances are accessible;
      3. Around other adults or youth modeling that usage;
      4. Then, did s/he become part of a peer group that uses.

Part 2 – Paper: After constructing this chart, reflect on Kristopher’s development history, family system, and current presentation. Then, identify and discuss realistic protective factors that could positively influence Kristopher’s current development and level of resilience and his future development. For example, you may want to recommend involvement in a range of prosocial extra-curricular activities. This makes sense, but can Kristopher’s family afford the ones you’re recommending? Will the adults be required to participate or transport him to/from the activity? Give it some thought!

Exploration of Client Scenario

For this assignment, you will use the hypothetical client scenario you created in Unit 1. You will apply your knowledge of professional ethics as well as what you have learned about culture, diversity, and global perspectives to explore your client’s individual situation and needs.

You will use your knowledge of ethics and culturally sensitive best practices to identify the main issue presented by your client. You will also discuss your client’s scenario that includes their main problems, including any ethical, legal, and cultural issues, and how your personal biases will influence your work with the client.

Completing this assignment brings you one step closer to graduation!

Assignment Directions

Please write a paper based on the client scenario you have created, ensuring your responses reflect professional standards and expectations in the field.

Please addresses each of the following:

• Discuss your client’s information.
  • This includes their demographics, the reason for referrals, and their main problem and needs.
• Identify the legal and/or ethical issues present in the client’s scenario.
  • Apply NOHS standards appropriate for each legal and ethical issue you have identified, discussing how it relates to your client’s situation.
• Discuss the professional values required to provide a high standard of care for your client.
  • Be sure your response is comprehensive and shows a depth of professional reflection and understanding of the client’s situation.
• Discuss factors of culture, gender, or diversity specific to your client.
  • Assess how addressing these factors will impact interventions and service delivery.
• Evaluate the importance of considering client diversity in developing a case plan.
• Discuss how your own perspectives, biases, and personal values may come into play when working with this client.
  • What information do you need to better understand your client or their situation?

To prepare for this unit’s activities, first read the course Syllabus. Then, review your notes from the following courses:

• HN144: Human Behavior and the Social Environment
• HN200: Survey of Social Problems
• HN205: Applied Skills for Human Services

Library Readings

Please also take some time to review the following journal articles found in the library:

Bryan, W. V. (2015). The professional helper: The fundamentals of being a helping professional (2nd ed.). Charles C. Thomas Publisher, Ltd.

• Chapter 2: “The Helping Relationship”

Jana, T., & Freeman, M. (2016). Overcoming bias: Building authentic relationships across differences. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.

• Chapter 1: “What is bias and why does it matter?”

Web Resource

The IAT assessment measures attitude and beliefs, allowing you to test yourself for over a dozen different biases, including those involving race, skin tone, weight, age, and disability. Please follow the directions within the website if you would like to take the assessment. Although optional, the IAT is a great opportunity to examine associations and stereotypes.

Project Implicit. (n.d.). Implicit Association Test (IAT). https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html

Create a 10-slide presentation for Caterpillar Inc. leadership in which you summarize your key findings, propose recommendations, and provide rationale for your recommendations.

Respond to the following prompts:

• Summarize your evaluation of the alignment between what Caterpillar Inc. is currently doing and their mission, vision, or values statement. Would you propose any changes to Caterpillar Inc.’s mission, vision or values statements? Why or why not? (Refer to Wk 1, Bullet #4.)
• Summarize your assessment of whether Caterpillar Inc. is leveraging the appropriate value and cost drivers for their business strategy. Would you propose any changes? Why or why not? (Refer to Wk 2, Bullet #3.)
• Summarize your analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of Caterpillar Inc’s competitive advantages. Based on your analysis would you propose any changes? Why or why not? (Refer to Wk 2, Bullet #4.)
• Summarize your assessment of whether Caterpillar Inc. is using the appropriate measures to verify its strategic effectiveness. Based on your analysis would you propose any changes? Why or why not? (Refer to Wk 3, Bullet #1.)
• Summarize your evaluation of Caterpillar Inc.’s competitive position and how they have responded to shifts in the external and internal environments. Would you propose any changes in how Caterpillar Inc. responds to shifts in the external and internal environments? Why or why not? (Refer to Wk 3, Bullet #5.)
• Summarize your evaluation of how mergers and acquisitions in the past 5 years have contributed to Caterpillar Inc.’s performance. Would you propose that Caterpillar Inc. pursue mergers and acquisitions in the future? Why or why not? (Wk 4, Bullet #2.)
• Summarize your assessment of Caterpillar Inc.’s global strategy. Based on your assessment would you propose any changes? Why or why not? (Refer to Wk 4, Bullet #3.)

Familiarize yourself with the following terms and concepts discussed this week in preparation for completion of this assignment: strategic management, competitive advantage, strategic plan, mission statement, vision statement, core values statement, AFI.

Create a strategic management journal. You will use information from this entry in your presentation due in Week 5.

Respond in your journal entry in 700- to 1050- words to the following prompts:

• Determine how AFI strategy framework acts as an integrative facilitator for strategic management planning.
• Identify the guiding principles used for preparing effective statements that describe the mission, vision, and the core values of an organization.
• Review the mission statement in Chapter 1 of Strategic Management: Concepts (p. 13), and determine whether the Caterpillar Inc. mission statement conforms to the description in the text. State the reasons the mission statement conforms or does not conform.
• Research public information, such as news releases, financial reports, and marketing analyses. Based on your research evaluate the alignment between what Caterpillar is currently doing and their mission, vision, or values statement.

Familiarize yourself with the following terms and concepts discussed this week in preparation for completion of this assignment: organizational structure, organizational culture, inertia, Holacracy, PESTEL model.

Create a 700 to 1,050-word entry in your strategic management research journal. You will use information from this entry in your presentation due in Week 5. Respond to the following prompts in your journal entry:

• Assess whether Caterpillar Inc. is using the appropriate measures to verify its strategic effectiveness.
• Summarize Caterpillar Inc.’s organizational structure.
• Determine whether Caterpillar Inc.’s organizational structure is considered a traditional organizational structure or a Holacracy.
• Detail why it is important for Caterpillar Inc. leadership to study and understand the company’s internal and external environments.
• Evaluate Caterpillar Inc.’s competitive position and how they have responded to shifts in the external and internal environments.

Familiarize yourself with the following terms and concepts discussed this week in preparation for completion of this assignment: market capitalization, economic value created, sustainable strategy, business-level strategy, differentiation strategy, strategy canvas.

Create a 700 to 1,050-word entry in your strategic management research journal. You will use information from this entry in your presentation due in Week 5. Respond to the following prompts in your journal entry:

• Describe the role of strategic planning in achieving a competitive advantage.
• Assess Caterpillar Inc. to determine whether their top focus is accounting profitability, shareholder value creation, or economic value creation.
• Assess whether Caterpillar Inc. leverages the appropriate value and cost drivers for their business strategy.
• Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of Caterpillar Inc’s competitive advantages.
• Evaluate the influence of ethics, social responsibility, and legal considerations on strategic planning.
• Discuss the value of corporate social responsibility (CSR), and determine if Caterpillar Inc.’s CSR meets those values.
• Analyze the role of ethics and social responsibility in developing Caterpillar Inc.’s strategic plan while considering stakeholder needs and agenda.

Include references.

Familiarize yourself with the following terms and concepts discussed this week in preparation for completion of this assignment: vertical integration, taper integration, backward vertical integration, forward vertical integration, strategic alliances, global strategy, international strategy, innovation.

Create a 700 to 1,050-word entry in your strategic management research journal. You will use information from this entry in your presentation due in Week 5. Respond to the following prompts in your journal entry:

• Identify Caterpillar Inc.’s short-term versus long term goals.
• Evaluate how mergers and acquisitions in the past 5 years have contributed to Caterpillar Inc.’s performance.
• Assess Caterpillar Inc.’s global strategy (international, multi-domestic, global-standardization, or transnational).
• Discuss the types of innovation Caterpillar Inc.’s uses such as radical incremental, disruptive, and architectural innovation. Identify types of innovation Caterpillar Inc. has used over time.