FINAL PROJECT: CASE STUDY

The case below illustrates the importance of the four functions of management. Many young entrepreneurs with dreams of starting their own businesses believe that managing a business is simple. This case shows what can happen when a new owner does not pay adequate attention to important components of management and

 1.fails to develop or share a mission statement;

 2.fails to determine the best way to organize resources, including personnel;

 3.underestimates the importance of recruitment, job design and descriptions, and training;

 4.assumes that motivation will occur naturally;

 5.fails to define standards and other measurable outcomes;

 6.ignores negative information;

 7.delays actions to improve organizational outcomes.

 Required Elements to include in Final Project:

 •Students will act as a management consultant to Amanda Smith and present a series of recommendations to her in response to the concerns identified above and at least two other concerns based on what you observe in the case presented below;

 •Students are required to show what you have learned in the course and educate Amanda as to the importance of the four functions of management, and therefore should include each of the four functions in your paper;

 •Recommendations to Amanda on how to improve the management of her small business should be succinct but should still persuade Amanda that the recommendations will have positive outcomes for her company;

 •Students are expected to show what they learned in the course by applying theories and concepts as support to the recommendations.

 •The paper should include a summarization of the control function and describe how it fits into the planning, organizing, and leading functions. Part of the summarization should include a discussion of the importance of accurate and timely information and the link between planning and controlling.

 Required Formatting of Paper:

 •This paper is required to be in the form of a letter addressed to Amanda;

 • This paper should be double-spaced, 12-point font, and should be between five and six pages in length excluding the title page and reference page;

 •Title page with your name, the course name, the date, and instructor’s name;

 •Include a reference page;

 •Use APA format for in-text citations and references. You are required to use the e-text and at least two academic or highly respected business publications, for a total of no less than three references. Students need to paraphrase and avoid direct quotes;