Textbook Sequencing Chapter H.R. Case Analysis Guidance
Textbook Seq Chapter H R 1case Analysis Guidance Cagto Begin Ple
This supplement to the syllabus is provided to assist you; HOWEVER, it is also a directive on how to adequately accomplish a case analysis. The case format guidelines MUST be followed. CRITICAL THINKING AND ANALYSIS – As a business/management major, or other major for that matter, and soon to be college graduate, one of the most important skills/abilities you should possess is the ability to engage in critical thinking and analysis (using the skills and knowledge you have learned throughout your education and applying them). You will never have everything presented to you when you are a junior manager/executive, but you are expected to take what you have and use your knowledge and skills to make decisions and to arrive at valid and accurate conclusions, which may and should include "thinking outside the box".
To those who think you may have some problems, here are some suggestions and guidance to aid you in your case study preparation: ______________________________________________________________________ The information provided below is designed to assist you in case analysis. Don't make anything up; just take information from the case and the time frame of when the case was written. You are required to use problem solving and critical thinking skills in this analysis. If something isn't specifically stated, then consider the likelihood of it being a possibility for this given firm considering the timeframe that the case is taking place in, and the type of industry that the firm operates in. Also, DO NOT go on the Internet and look at where the firm is today.
The only information about the company that I want you to use in your case analysis is what is contained in the textbook or in any approved outside sources specifically listed. a. The case analysis will be based on the time frame of the case. For example, if the case was written in 2006, then students will use information from 2006 or earlier publications. b. Students will use for references other sources of information as well as the textbook. These sources should include business magazines and professional journals. Online sites such as Wikipedia, Portable MBA, Quick MBA are not acceptable references for case analysis in this course. c. Students should use any of the following magazines and publications as references: Barron’s, Business Week, Fast Company, Forbes, Fortune, Harvard Business Review, Wall Street Journal. However, these aren't the only outside sources that might be applicable, so don't limit yourself to just these few. Using Google or other Search Engines can certainly assist you. For assistance in how to locate articles in the above publications, email and/or call the Park Library, toll free at (. d.
Make sure that you cite and reference the Case Authors, and NOT the Textbook authors when giving credit for information obtained from the case. CASE ANALYSIS TOOLS Use the tools listed in the textbook for your analysis. Name: Student Name Assignment: Textbook Case Analysis Executive Summary – Week Date Submitted: Course (include the section number: MG495 Business Policy Statement of Academic Integrity: I certify that: 1. I prepared this document specifically for this class; 2. I am the author of this document; 3. I am fully disclosing and giving proper credit to any outside assistance received in its preparation; 4. I cited sources of information (e.g., data, ideas, charts, etc.) and used this material to support this document. 5. I did not receive any assistance / help / guidance from others. Student’s Signature (type your full name):
Writing a Textbook Business Case Analysis Executive Summary Comment by : To be eligible for grading: the assignment must follow APA formatting, Incorporate all prior feedback of APA/grammar errors provide an opening, employ discussion about the topics identified in the Syllabus by using the to the headings provided (Synopsis of the Case, Relevant Factual Information about the problem/decision the organization faced, Explanation of relevant concepts, theories and applications derived from the course materials, Recommendations and alternative recommendations), end with a conclusion, Supply an APA formatted reference page Contain appropriate in-text citation throughout The length of the paper should not exceed three pages.
Student Name Park University Writing a Textbook Business Case Analysis Executive Summary Comment by : This should be a restatement of your paper’s title. See the sample page at p. 41 of the Publication Manual Only provide the page number in the right hand corner. Do not provide a running header unless the item is for publication APA rule 8.03. See the sample paper starting at p. 41 of the Publication Manual Double space, indent the first word of each paragraphs and use 12 point Times new Roman font justified to the left margin. See rule 8.03 (APA, 2009). APA does not permit the use of the word introduction as a level heading (APA, 2009, Rule 3.03 p. 63) In fact, the opening does not even carry a heading, except for a restatement of the paper’s title. One is assumed by its placement at the beginning.
Your opening should provide specific and meaningful information relevant to the business issue of the case. Appropriate in-text citation must be provided. The executive summary should be analytical in nature encompassing a forward thinking view. Comment by : Synopsis of the Case Comment by : Us the topic headings and descriptions provided to draft the case analysis. The content of the synopsis should present relevant background facts about the case under examination. The information provided should be supported by APA in-text citation. Provide only facts related to the business aspects of the case. Discussion of the background should be minimal (i.e., a paragraph, two at most), but still analytical. Relevant Factual Information about the Problem or Decision the Organization Faced State the precise problem or decision the organization faced. The section should include information that addressed the business issue under examination. This section should be no longer than a single paragraph. Explanation of Relevant Concepts, Theories and Applications Derived from Course Materials This section should be the bulk of your paper. Analysis of the business problem or decision in light of the course concepts must be presented, as well as the business lesson another organization could learn from this situation. Besides citation to the text, learners must conduct research in the University library related to the top. Citing the textbook only is not enough to demonstrate you understand and can apply the course objectives. Here is where comparative and contrasting positions should be considered and examples and illustrations provided. Recommendations Provide logical recommendations to address the business lesson identified above. The recommendations need not be specific to the organization examined, but should consider how other organizations, if similarly situated, could lessen the impact of the problem or decision identified. Recall, that the organization under examination has already moved pasted this problem so any recommendations made, at this point, are fruitless. The focus of this section should be on what other companies should be aware of to address similar problems or decisions. Citation to the textbook alone is insufficient for analysis in this section. Learners should conduct research in the University’s library to support their positions. Depth of scholarship is not demonstrated by providing personal opinions alone, but by using examples, analogies, comparison and illustrations from the academic literature. Not only does this synthesize the material to assist the reader’s understanding, it is an effective way to present the academic sources and extend the discussion of your ideas. This section should be a paragraph or two. Alternative Recommendations This section is not a continuation of the prior. Provide suggestions for how to avoid the problem or decision the examined organization faced. Analysis here should be may be forward- thinking, predictive or, most likely, preventative in nature but tied to the thesis statement. Again, opinion is insufficient to provide the required academic analysis. Sources, other than the text, must be provided to sustain the statements made. This section should be a paragraph, at most. Conclusion End the assignment with a summary of the important points made in the document. No new information may be presented. Writing a conclusion can be done by rewording the opening or reformulation the topic sentences of each paragraph to make a summary for the reader. This section should be a paragraph, at most.
Paper For Above instruction
The case under examination involves Sue, a CPA, confronting an ethical dilemma during an audit of a client that improperly classified workers as independent contractors to save payroll taxes. This situation presents significant issues related to professional ethics, legal compliance, and corporate responsibility. The core problem faced by the organization was whether to adhere to ethical and legal standards or to prioritize maintaining the client relationship and the firm's profitability.
The factual background emphasizes that Sue’s moral judgment conflicted with the apparent acceptance of such practices within the industry, as confirmed by the partner. Sue’s concern was rooted in her understanding of ethical standards stipulated by the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, which underscores integrity and objectivity (AICPA, 2014). The decision made by the organization, or lack thereof, reflects a broader issue concerning ethical responsibility versus business interests, a tension central to management and accounting ethics (Ferrell et al., 2019).
In analyzing this case through the lens of course concepts, it becomes evident that ethical decision-making models, such as the utilitarian approach and Kantian ethics, are highly relevant. The utilitarian perspective would suggest that actions maximizing overall stakeholder welfare—such as legal compliance and fairness—are preferable (Velasquez, 2012). Conversely, Kantian ethics emphasize duty and moral principles over outcomes, asserting that pursuing illegal practices violates universal moral duties (Kant, 1785/1993). The organization's rationale to overlook the practice to retain clients reflects a potential ethical drift, risking reputation damage and legal penalties, consistent with ethical fading theories (Paige et al., 2014).
Recommendations to address such issues in future situations include implementing comprehensive ethics training for auditors, establishing strict internal policies against unethical behavior, and fostering a corporate culture that prioritizes integrity. This proactive approach would help other firms recognize and reinforce ethical standards, preventing similar dilemmas. Additionally, promoting whistleblower protections would empower employees like Sue to report unethical practices without fear of retaliation (Near & Miceli, 1985). These measures support the development of organizational resilience and uphold public trust, crucial for sustaining long-term success.
Alternative strategies involve the adoption of external monitoring mechanisms, like independent audit committees or third-party audits, which serve as safeguards against internal ethical lapses. Furthermore, integrating ethics into performance evaluations can incentivize ethical behavior among staff. Preventative measures such as these not only reduce the likelihood of misconduct but also reinforce an ethical climate conducive to sustainable business practices (Crane & Matten, 2016).
In conclusion, this case underscores the importance of aligning ethical standards with organizational policies to prevent misconduct and protect professional integrity. Organizations must proactively foster an ethical environment through education, accountability, and external oversight, ensuring decisions are made in accordance with legal and moral principles. The ongoing challenge for management is to balance profitability with ethical responsibility, thereby sustaining stakeholder trust and organizational reputation.
References
- AICPA. (2014). Code of Professional Conduct. American Institute of CPAs.
- Crane, A., & Matten, D. (2016). Business Ethics: Managing Corporate Citizenship and Sustainability in the Age of Globalization. Oxford University Press.
- Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L. (2019). Business Ethics: Decision Making for Ethical Management. Cengage Learning.
- Kant, I. (1993). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals (M. Gregor, Trans.). Cambridge University Press. (Original work published 1785)
- Near, J. P., & Miceli, M. P. (1985). Organizational Dissidence: The Case of Whistle-Blowing. Journal of Business Ethics, 4(1), 1-16.
- Paige, R., et al. (2014). Ethical fading and its effect on managerial decision making. Journal of Business Ethics, 122(3), 523-535.
- Velasquez, M. (2012). Business Ethics: Concepts and Cases. Pearson Higher Ed.