BUS.255 Project – SOLVING STUDENTS’ REAL PROBLEMS

Many personal problems that we all face relate directly to organizational behavior concepts that we will study this term. During this project you will explore solutions to a personal problem you are experiencing using outside resources as well as the text.  You will develop a step-by-step action plan including the means to measure your progress.   

Step 1: Due 9/11

Select your most important concern or problem at work, school, or in your personal life.

Some typical work-related problems, and the OB concepts that apply to them, include the following:

• working with an unreasonable supervisor (conflict management, communication)

• absenteeism or turnover issues (motivation, job satisfaction, reward)

• conflict with coworkers (communication, conflict, negotiation)

• obtaining visibility and favorable work assignments (communication, mentoring)

 

Typical school-related problems and corresponding relevant OB concepts include:

• finding an internship (goal setting)

• working with a free rider on a group project (teamwork)

• resolving difficulties with an international teaching assistant (cross-cultural issues)

• deciding on or changing one’s major (decision making)

• raising one’s grade point average (goal setting)

• time management (self-management)

 

Submit your concern in Blackboard. 

Step 2: Due 9/25

Locate and use at least four external sources that deal with the problem you have identified in the process of finding solutions to your problem.  Submit annotated references for each source (one paragraph for each source).

 

Step 3: Due 10/23

Develop a step-by-step plan for addressing your problem.  Your plan should include specific targets and completion dates for each step.  Make certain that you restate the problem you identified in Step #1.  

 

Step 4: Due 12/11

Submit a paper that includes your problem description, and your step-by-step plan.  Your plan should include specific targets or goals and a measurement plan that details how you will be able to determine if your plan met those goals.

Your paper should explain why you believe your solution will be effective as well as its strengths and weaknesses.  Your explanation should include at least 3 properly referenced citations from our text or your external sources.