Assignment:
Question I) This Question has three parts.
1. What do you believe are the top five characteristics of a good leader? What are the top five for a good manager? Discuss the similarities and differences between a manager and a leader.
2. In what ways would transactional and laissez-faire leadership styles be ineffective in encouraging organizational commitment?
3. How might leadership style need to change with an organization's environment?
Question II) This question has three parts.
1. When making a decision it is human nature to make assumptions. Understanding the assumptions along with the consequences should those assumptions be incorrect is important. A best practice when making a decision is to make a list of any assumptions that exist. Discuss a decision you have made in the past in your professional life that was based on assumptions that proved to be incorrect. What were the consequences and how did you handle the resulting situation?
2. There are many different decision-making models available such as: the rational model; the seven step model; and the Carnegie model to name a few. What are the pros and cons of managers using decision making models?
3. What factors should be taken into consideration when collecting data for a strategic decision?
Question III) This question has three parts.
1. A key characteristic of an effective manager is good interpersonal skills. Among the interpersonal skills that must be built are: motivation, communication, effective confrontation, coaching and development. Describe the importance of each of these interpersonal skills for a manager.
2. A commonly used acronym for goal setting is SMART. Goals must be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound. Describe a professional goal that you have set listing how it fits into the SMART categories.
3. Describe how the decisions managers make differ based on the level of the position such as supervisor, mid-level manager and senior manager.
Question IV) This question has three parts.
1. A common tool used in strategic planning is the S.W.O.T. analysis. Pick a company you are familiar with and complete a SWOT analysis for it describing 5 each of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.
2. How can a SWOT analysis help a company develop a strategic plan that will be successful?
3. Describe the four functions of management. What role do these plays in the strategic decision-making process?
Question V) This question has three parts
1. Describe the four key elements of a good performance appraisal.
2. Many factors can lead to a company failing. Discuss the external conditions that can occur that would hinder the success of a company.
3. Discuss your understanding of the POWER SWOT. How can this method increase the effectiveness of a strategic plan?