Written Assignment 1
Submit a fully developed essay in response to each of the following questions. Note that there is a suggested length for each question. Be sure to use MLA format for this and all of the written assignments in this course.
- Select a manufacturer or service organization then, using the SWOT factors on page 79 of your textbook, identify the competitive advantages that your selected company exhibits. Be sure to support your conclusions. (Suggested length: 250-300 words)
- Discuss the pros and cons of franchising. What are two examples of how a franchisor can negatively impact a franchisee? Do you think there are any ethical implications? (Suggested length: 100-200 words).
- Read Situation 2 on page 120 (Chapter 4) of your textbook. What risks do you think you would face if you were a successful manager in a large organization who suddenly had an offer to go into business for yourself? Why do you think Treadwell decided to become a multi-brand franchisee instead of staying with KFC? (Suggested length: 150-250 words)
- Give four reasons for buying an existing business rather than creating a brand new one. Describe the process of evaluating an existing business. How effective do you think these guidelines are? (Suggested length: 150-175 words)
Grading Criteria:
| Question |
| You thoroughly answer the question and demonstrate an exemplary, in-depth understanding of the topic(s) through a well-reasoned and thoughtful response; your answer is substantive, with relevant references and examples and a clear connection to the readings where necessary. |
You satisfactorily answer the question and demonstrate a basic understanding of the topic(s); your answer is generally correct but lacks full development and a clear connection to the readings where necessary. |
You incompletely answer the question and demonstrate a limited understanding of the topic(s); your answer lacks substantive information and connection to the readings where necessary. |
You insufficiently answer the question and demonstrate an inadequate understanding of the topic(s); your answer is off-topic, incorrect, or irrelevant to the readings. |
|
| Organization |
| You lucidly organize material into well-formed paragraphs and arrange ideas logically; you completely follow the instructions for formatting and submitting your assignment. |
You logically organize material into well-formed paragraphs; you mostly follow the instructions for formatting and submitting your assignment. |
You loosely organize material and provide limited supporting detail; you partially follow the instructions for formatting and submitting your assignment. |
You incoherently organize material, often impairing the reader’s ability to comprehend it; significant details are missing or irrelevant; you do not follow the instructions for formatting and submitting your assignment. |
null |
|
| Overall mechanics |
| You write in complete, well-constructed sentences with faultless grammar, word choice, punctuation, and spelling; writing is sharp, coherent, and demonstrates excellent clarity. |
You write in complete sentences with mostly correct grammar, word choice, punctuation, and spelling; minor errors may exist but do not compromise meaning. |
You write in unclear sentences with significant errors in grammar, word choice, punctuation, and spelling that may compromise meaning. |
You write in incomplete, incomprehensible sentences filled with serious errors in grammar, word choice, punctuation, or spelling. |
null |
|
| MLA format |
| You use MLA format accurately and consistently. |
You use MLA format with minor violations. |
You reflect an incomplete knowledge of MLA format. |
You do not use MLA format. |
null |
|
|
