Below is a list from which you will select one topic for the Week Two assignment, another topic for the Week Three assignment, and a third topic for both the Outline of the Final Paper and the Final Paper.  The topic you select for your Outline of the Final Paper and this Final Paper must be different from the topics you select for the Week Two and Week Three assignments.

The topics include:

• What do twin and adoption studies tell us about the effects of nature (i.e., genetic influences) and nurture (i.e., environmental influences) on human development? Select at least one of the main domains of human development (physical, cognitive, or social-emotional) for your answer.
• How much credit or blame do parents deserve for the way we are? Select at least one of the main domains of human development (physical, cognitive, or social-emotional) for your answer.
• To what extent are the lives of adolescents and young adults shaped by parental and peer influences?
• Why do we have a need to belong (to affiliate with others)?
• How do our bodies and minds change from early to late adulthood?
• What are the factors that affect our well-being as middle aged and older adults?
• Why are some people attracted to members of their own sex whereas others are attracted to members of the opposite sex?
• How do memory and intelligence change as we age?
• Does an infant’s temperament shape his/her cognitive and socio-emotional development?
• Are babies pre-wired for survival?
• Are adolescents more likely to engage in risk-taking behavior than older adults?
• Can physical exercise affect cognitive performance in old age? Consider the time of occurrence of physical exercise (i.e., earlier in life or during old age) in your answer.
• Are there personality traits related to longevity?
• Does bilingualism improve brain functioning?
• Why do students in the United States tend to under-perform in math and science?

Once you have chosen your topic, examine the various theories of human development learned in the course and choose one or two that best assist you in understanding the issues involved in your topic. In your assignment address the following:

• Identify some of the major domains of human development and how they are impacted.
• Examine the physical, biological, emotional, cognitive, and/or social factors that are affected.
• Identify the stages of development that are affected and describe the cultural and historical perspectives of partitioning the lifespan that influence the interpretations of the available data on the topic.
• Describe the influences of family, culture, and environment and the roles they play.

Be sure to examine the available research in human development before completing this assignment.

Writing the Final Paper

The Final Paper:

1. Must be eight to ten double-spaced pages in length (excluding title and reference pages), and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
2. Must include a title page with the following:
   1. Title of paper
   2. Student’s name
   3. Course name and number
   4. Instructor’s name
   5. Date submitted
3. Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.
   1. You may use the introduction you developed during the Week Four assignment or a revised version if changes are deemed necessary.
4. Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
5. Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
   1. Conclude with an answer to the selected question. Did the evidence you surveyed answer the question satisfactorily?
   2. Include an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the available evidence.
   3. Illustrate how each source fits specific sections of your Final Paper. The goal is to demonstrate that supporting evidence exists for statements that are made in the paper.
   4. If possible, suggest the course that future research should take if answers to the selected question are deemed less than conclusive.
6. Must use at least five scholarly sources, all of which must come from the Ashford University Library or Google Scholar.
7. Must summarize each article including the purpose of the investigation, its methodology, and results.
   1. Rely on the brief summaries of the articles (including the purpose of each investigation, its methodology and results) that you developed during Week Four to construct an organized summary of the scientific evidence that answers the question you selected.
   2. If possible, select peer-reviewed articles that summarize the evidence available in a given field of study (e.g., meta-analysis combines the findings of different studies to uncover trends, commonalities and differences).
   3. Order the articles in the way you think you will discuss them in your paper. Then develop a summary of the scientific evidence that answers the question you selected.
   4. You may reference your textbook and other required materials from the course; however, these will not fulfill the resource requirement.
8. Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
9. Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
   1. You may use the reference section you developed in the Week Four assignment as the final page of the paper.

Locate your state’s constitution and examine the major elements and articles of the constitution.

Review its contents and functions. Search for information about the branches of government and the funding sources for your state government.

Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper that addresses the following:

• How are the main components of government set up by your state’s constitution?
• Which branch of your state government seems the most powerful, on paper? What evidence do you use for your choice?
• Does the state constitution contain a Bill of Rights? If so, what appears to be the most important feature?

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

 

PLEASE USE MARYLAND

The Casey Anthony / Caylee Anthony Trial. This case involved the death of a two year old child named Caylee Anthony who lived in Orlando, Florida. In 2008, the child was reported missing, and her mother, Casey Anthony, was charged with murder before the ultimate discovery of the child’s body later that year. The State sought the death penalty. The resulting trial in 2011, lasted six weeks, and gathered a tremendous amount of media attention, as it was televised live and included many interesting witnesses in this largely circumstantial case. Casey Anthony was ultimately found not guilty by a jury. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Caylee_Anthony)

 

Assignment Requirements:

 

Structure your paper as follows:

I. Introduction

1.Give a brief explanation of the burden of proof, which is proof beyond a reasonable doubt in a criminal prosecution.

2.Give a brief explanation of prima facie.

3.Give a brief explanation of the applicable code the prosecution was brought under.

4.Give a brief explanation of why the Simpson trial was so pivotal to the prosecution of crimes in the United States.

II. Opening Statements

1.Which attorney was most persuasive?

2.Which attorney gave the jury more significant facts to consider?

III. Establishing/Challenging a Prima Facie Case for Murder

1.Name one key witness who helped establish a prima facie case of homicide for the prosecution or challenged a prima facie case for the defense, and explain why he or she helped or hurt the prosecution of the case.

IV. Evidence

1.What other evidence (than testimony) was significant in establishing or challenging a prima facie case of murder?

V. Closing Arguments

1.Describe why one was more persuasive than the other, and how the jury would have been persuaded one way or the other based on the closing statements.

VI. Outside Factors

1.Are there any other outside factors, other than those listed in the book that affected this case? (e.g., the media, society)

2.Why do you think this is such a divisive case in the United States?

VII. Concluding thoughts

1. As a budding criminal justice scholar, discuss briefly why this case is important to the study of criminal justice and criminal prosecution, and how reading primary documentation about it has changed your own perspective on the case.

Format Requirements

1.Paper should be a minimum of 1,250 words or about five pages

2.Double space

3.12 pt. font

4.1″ margins

5.Use APA citations for all sources (outside references not required)

6.Include APA reference page (not included in word count)

7.Additionally –

Create a cover page for your assignment (not included in word count)

• Include your name
• Course title and number
• Project title
• Topic selected
• Date of submission

 

 

 hello 2

 

Purpose: 

In the second assignment, students will complete a mini-management plan that demonstrates how an organization operates on a day-to-day basis as well as over the long run.  This assignment helps students develop the skills necessary to assess a management situation and to write a report based on the findings

A management plan is a report that includes numerous sections that cover various aspects of the business.

Outcome Met by Completing This Assignment:

• integrate management theories and principles into management practices

• employ effective planning processes to develop strategies, goals, and objectives in order to enhance performance and sustainability

• organize human, physical, and financial resources for the effective and efficient attainment of organizational goals

• identify the essential characteristics of decision making and indicate the range and types of decisions a manager makes

Instructions:

In this assignment students will take the role of the Vice President of Operation creating a mini-management plan that focuses on those aspects of the business related to planning and organizing.  As Vice President of Operations, Joseph Jackson, the leader of Cyber Software, Inc., has asked you to help him solve his organizational problems.  This mini-management plan is a professionally written document that will be given to Joseph Jackson.

In writing the plan, you must use the terminology learned in the course.  Since Joe Jackson is quite knowledgeable, you are not defining terms using a dictionary but you will explain and describe concepts and ideas so Joseph Jackson understands what you mean, why the ideas are important to the business and how to implement the proposed plan.  The plan is not one in which the Vice President of Operations tells Joseph Jackson that he should do this or do that or he needs to or will do this or do that but one that is presented in an action-oriented manner.  Students are expected to make connections between the facts of the case study and concepts, theories, and ideas presented in the course readings.

The mini-management plan will structure the entire company and will cover Joseph Jackson’s organization’s mission, vision, structure and culture.

Step 1:  Review “How to Analyze a Case Study” under Week 3 Content.

Step 2:  Create a Word or Rich Text Format (RTF) document.  This mini-management plan should be presented in a professional manner using single space, double-spaced between paragraphs.  The final product will be between 5-7 pages in length excluding the title page, diagrams and reference page.

Step 3:  Title page with your name, the course name, the date, and the instructor’s name.

Step 4:  Since students are probably not familiar with writing a management plan, the following resources have been provided to assist in writing the plan.

1. How to Write a Management Plan

http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/leadership/effective-manager/management-plan/main

1. Management Plan Example

https://wakenature.wordpress.com/resources/management-plan-examples/

Step 5:  In writing a case study, the writing is in the third person.  What this means is that there are no words such as “I, me, my, we, or us” (first person writing), nor is there use of “you or your” (second person writing).  If uncertain how to write in the third person, view this link:  http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/first-second-and-third-person

Step 6:  In writing this assignment, students are expected to support the reasoning using in-text citations and a reference list.  If any material is used from a source, it must be cited and referenced.  A reference within a reference list cannot exist without an associated in-text citation and vice versa.  View the sample APA paper under Week 1 content.

Step 7:  In writing this assignment, students are expected to paraphrase and not use direct quotes.  Learn to paraphrase by reviewing this link:  https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/QPA_paraphrase2.html

Step 8:  In writing this assignment, students may use external resources but the majority of resources will come from the course.

Step 9:  Review the grading rubric for the assignment.

Step 10:  Read critically and analyze the case study provided under Week 5 content.   Notate the key points in the case study.

Step 11:  Create the introductory paragraph.

The introductory paragraph is the first paragraph of the paper but is typically written after writing the body of the paper (Questions students responded to above).  View this website to learn how to write an introductory paragraph:  http://www.writing.ucsb.edu/faculty/donelan/intro.html

Step 12:  Respond to the required elements of the assignment.  Be clear and concise in the writing and make sure the questions are comprehensively answered.

1. Provide a brief management history of Cyber Software, Inc.;
2. Help Joe Jackson by proposing a new mission statement and vision statement that align with what Joseph Jackson now envisions for his company;
   1. Explain why the new mission statement and vision statement are appropriate for Cyber Software, Inc.;
   2. Discuss other aspects of the planning phase that impacts Cyber Software, Inc.;
3. Create an organizational structure that aligns with the vision of Joseph Jackson
   1. Structure the entire company;
   2.  Explain why the structure is the most appropriate structure for Cyber Software, Inc.;
   3. Discuss why other structures are not appropriate;
   4. Illustrate and discuss the new structure with an organizational chart with names, job titles, and direct reports.  Be creative but make sure the jobs fit into the allotted budget;
4. Create an organizational culture that aligns with the vision of Joseph Jackson and his new organization structure;
5. Explain how the new organizational structure and culture affect the planning and organizing facet of Joe’s business and prevent future mishaps;

1. Use at least four references from the course material and at least three outside resources.

Step 13:  Using the grading rubric as a comparison, read through the paper to ensure all required elements are presented.

Step 14: Proofread the paper for spelling and grammatical issues, and third person writing.

• Use the spell and grammar check in Word as a first measure;
• Have someone who has excellent English skills to proof the paper;
• Consider submitting the paper to the Effective Writing Center (EWC).  The EWC will provide 4-6 areas that may need improvement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

hello 3

Purpose: 

The third assignment, a consultancy report, provides students with the ability to demonstrate that they have mastered the course content and can apply theories, concepts and ideas learned throughout the course to a situation that emulates a real world situation.  Students will read the case study that focuses on the four functions of management:  planning, organizing, leading and controlling (P-O-L-C) and respond to the required elements of the assignment.

Writing reports in business is commonplace so writing a consultancy report provides students the opportunity to demonstrate a skill that employers are looking for from an employee.

Outcome Met by Completing This Assignment:

•                   integrate management theories and principles into management practices
•                   employ effective planning processes to develop strategies, goals, and objectives in order to enhance performance and sustainability
•                   organize human, physical, and financial resources for the effective and efficient attainment of organizational goals
•                   demonstrate leadership skills by communicating a shared vision, motivating and empowering others, and creating a culture of ethical decision-making and innovation
•                   develop measures and assess outcomes against plans and standards to improve organizational effectiveness
•                   identify the essential characteristics of decision making and indicate the range and types of decisions a manager makes

Instructions:

You have been hired as a consultant to help Mike Davis and his family to solve the problems with his business both day-to-day and over the long term (strategically).  You will create a consultancy report that covers the four functions of management.  In creating the consultancy report, you must also demonstrate how the four functions of management are interrelated showing how issues in one function impact other functions.

In speaking with Mike, Ethan and Daisy, you already know the following about the business owners:

1.      failed to develop or share a mission statement;
2.      failed to determine the best way to organize resources, including personnel;
3.      underestimates the importance of recruitment, job design and descriptions, and training;
4.      assumed that motivation will occur naturally;
5.      fails to define standards and other measurable outcomes;
6.      ignored negative information;
7.      delayed actions to improve organizational outcomes.

Be succinct in your writing but persuasive so that the recommendations will have positive outcomes for the business.

Students are not using buzz-word and are not defining terms using a dictionary.  Students are expected to present the material in a professional manner describing and explaining to the owners.  As a consultant, you should be secure in your presentation to Mike, Ethan and Daisy.  Avoid telling the owners that they should do this or must do that but write in an action-oriented manner.  Students are expected to make connections between the facts of the case study and concepts, theories, and ideas presented in the course material.

Step 1:  Review “How to Analyze a Case Study” under Week 3 Content.

Step 2:  Create a Word or Rich Text Format (RTF) document.  This consultancy plan should be presented in a professional manner using single space, double-spaced between paragraphs.  The final product will be between 6-8 pages in length excluding the title page, diagrams and reference page.

Step 3:  Title page with your name, the course name, the date, and the instructor’s name.

Step 4:  Since students are probably not familiar with writing a consultancy report, the following resources have been provided to assist in writing the report.

1.      Outline for Consultancy Report

Step 5:  In writing a case study, the writing is in the third person.  What this means is that there are no words such as “I, me, my, we, or us” (first person writing), nor is there use of “you or your” (second person writing).  If uncertain how to write in the third person, view this link:  http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/first-second-and-third-person

Step 6:  In writing this assignment, students are expected to support the reasoning using in-text citations and a reference list.  If any material is used from a source, it must be cited and referenced.  A reference within a reference list cannot exist without an associated in-text citation and vice versa.  View the sample APA paper under Week 1 content.

Step 7:  In writing this assignment, students are expected to paraphrase and not use direct quotes.  Learn to paraphrase by reviewing this link:  https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/QPA_paraphrase2.html

Step 8:  In writing this assignment, students may use external resources but the majority of resources will come from the course readings with a wide array of readings used.  

Step 9:  Review the grading rubric for the assignment.

Step 10:  Read critically and analyze the case study provided under Week 5 content.   Notate the key points in the case study.

Step 11:  Create an executive summary.   Although a report must be complete when presenting to a client, the expectation is that there is an executive summary so that the client can read quickly the main features of the report.  The executive summary should be written in a way that makes the client want to read more so it must have enough information to see the potential behind the recommendations without having to read the entire report.

So you aren’t sure how to write the executive summary.  Check out this resource to help you write the summary:

How to Write an Executive Summary:  http://articles.bplans.com/writing-an-executive-summary/

Step 12:  Respond to the required elements of the assignment.  Be clear and concise in the writing and make sure the questions are comprehensively answered.

• In creating the consultancy report, students will first assess the business and identify specific areas of strengths and weaknesses of the business as it relates to the components of the P-O-L-C. In completing this section, do not create a heading for each element of the P-O-L-C but write from the perspective of the consultant discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the business;
• Select a management model (class hierarchy, democratic hierarchy, collaborative management or collective management) and explain why the selected model is most appropriate for Outdoor Adventure Paintball Park;
• Develop roles and responsibility of the owners and employees (Be creative in completing this task);  Discuss why these positions are necessary to the business;
• Discuss communication and the flow of decision making in relation to the management model;
• Make specific recommendations for improving the management of Outdoor Adventure Paintball Park. Cover all aspects of the P-O-L-C.  This area of the paper specifically addresses the areas of strengths and weaknesses identified above and puts in place a plan for the short and long –term success of the business;
• Create a balanced scorecard that will help Outdoor Adventure Paintball Park align its business activities to the vision and strategy of the organization, improves communication and monitors performance against goals;
• Students are expected to show what they have learned in the course by applying theories and concepts. Be sure to support your reasoning.

Step 13:  Using the grading rubric as a comparison, read through the paper to ensure all required elements are presented.

Step 14: Proofread the paper for spelling and grammatical issues, and third person writing.

• Use the spell and grammar check in Word as a first measure;
• Have someone who has excellent English skills to proof the paper;