Assignment
Learning Activity 1: Devotional
Introduction and Purpose of Assignment
Applying perspectives throughout our learning process is an important aspect for recognizing and pursuing personal Christian development. Each week a devotional is shared that applies to the learning objectives and activities for that week.
Objectives
• Apply Christian principles in critical thinking and decision-making.
Resources
Idleman, K. (2013). Gods at war: Defeating the idols that battle for your heart. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Instructions
1. Read Chapters 12 and 13 of"Gods at War: Defeating the Idols That Battle for your Heart."
2. Now that you have read the entire book, consider the following:
a. How can you keep the gods from taking control over your life?
b. What measures can you take to prevent this from happening to you?
3. Post your thoughts on this devotion in the discussion forum titled 6.1 Devotional.
4. Response to the posts of other students is not required, but is encouraged.
Learning Activity 2: Information Technology Discussion
Introduction and Purpose of Assignment
The use of technology provides data analysts and business managers the ability to accumulate data and generate reports quickly. Technology was a critical element in the development of managerial accounting. Prior to having current information available readily businesses relied on cost accounting information which took some time to compile and analysis. Now through the use of technology operational information is readily available to allow managers to make decisions the incorporate current trends and conditions into their analysis.
Objectives
• Evaluate how organizations integrate information technology into their analytics' strategies.
Theory and Context
Companies maintain databases to organize information. A vast array of software products can take the data and construct reports that are valuable to management for decision-making. SAS Visual Analytics Overview Demobelow provides a short overview of one such piece of software.
Resources
SAS Software (2015, August 26). SAS visual analytics overview demo [Youtube Video file].
Instructions
1. In this discussion, consider an organization that you are familiar with or have researched.
a. Identify the potential data needs and a software solution that they have (or could) implement.
i. What are some elements that you see as "must haves" for this organization?
2. Post your responses in the discussion forum titled Information Technology Discussion.
3. Use the Discussion Rubric below to ensure you have met all the criteria for this assignment.
Learning Activity 3: Data Management Discussion
Introduction and Purpose of Assignment
The availability of data by itself does not solve problems. Data has to be managed correctly for it to be beneficial. This discussion looks at data management problems that you have experienced or researched. The video "Top 10 Mistakes in Data Management"provides some insights into data management challenges.
Objectives
• Assess the problems that organizations have in developing and maintaining an effective data management process.
Theory and Context
The amount and complexity of data that an organization has naturally creates challenges in effectively managing information. Evaluating the organization's needs and correlating those with available technology is a good first step in developing and maintaining the organization's data management. Organizations must also identify the constraints that exist in available software.
Resources
Intricity101. (2014, June 2). Top 10 mistakes in data management [Youtube Video file].
Instructions
1. In this discussion, consider an organization that you are familiar with or have researched, that had data management issues.
a. Summarize the situation and indicate why it appeared the problems occurred.
b. What (if anything) did the organization do to resolve the issues?
c. What recommendations would you make to the organization for increase data management efficiencies?
2. Post your responses in the discussion forum titled Data Management Discussion.
3. Use the Discussion Rubric referenced earlier in this document to ensure you have met all the criteria for this assignment.
Learning Activity 4: Team Business Purpose Analysis
Introduction and Purpose of Assignment
During this class you will work in a team to evaluate a publicly traded company using various business analytical approaches.
Objectives
• Consolidate the various business analytics concepts to arrive at a recommendation for a previously identified business problem.
Theory and Context
Business analytics are an important part of an organization's decision-making process. Faced with limited resources, organizations can, through the use of analytics, find answers to help maximize the use of the resources available. A business just starting to integrate analytics in its analysis process may select a single business process for analysis, such as you have done as a team during this course.
Resources
Sharma, H. (2011-2021) Google universal analytics data trend analysis - Complete guide.
Sharma, H. (2011-2021) Google analytics mistakes that kill your analysis& conversions.
Wells, D. (2008, April 8). Business analytics - Getting the point.
Instructions
1. The final step in the analytics process may be the most important: interpreting the results and determining how to use them. This paper will be a team effort, and involve compiling all the information that you have accumulated over the course on the publicly traded company. Include all graphs and charts as appendices within the final project.
2. As a team, do the following:
a. Write an 8-10 page paper that would be a presentation to management regarding the analysis you have completed that includes the following:
i. Organize the business analytics information that you have done on the publicly traded company.
ii. Evaluate the information collected.
iii. Include all points as discussed by Wells (2008) in the Value Chain figure. Include the "Learn" aspect
iv. Provide a final analysis/recommendation regarding action that the analysis indicates.
Learning Activity 5: Priorities Paper
Introduction and Purpose of Assignment
Priorities are an important consideration in so many aspects of our lives. How we spend our time and our money reflect the priorities we have. As members of organizations we also help to set the organizational priorities. This paper examines the impact of priorities in both a personal and organizational context.
Objectives
• Analyze the impact of correct priorities from an organizational and personal perspective.
Theory and Context
In "Gods at War", author Kyle Idleman (2013) discusses how we reflect priorities through what we do. Conceptually, this influences who we are in both our personal and professional lives and in the decisions we make. Setting the right priorities and making the right choices is a critical part of following God and succeeding in the jobs that He has asked us to do.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.