Week 10 508 Assignment 5

ASSIGNMENT 5

COMPETITION – MARKET RESEARCH Manager Analysis

DUE DATE: WEEK 10

 

Note: While representative of possible situations faced by Target & Walmart, all scenarios in this assignment are fictional.

 

Real Business

As you learned this week, understanding your competition and adjusting your own business accordingly is critical to a business’s success. A large discount retail store like Target competes not only with other discount retail store stores but also with those stores that offer just some of the products Target does, such as grocery stores. Keeping track of all these competitors is quite a task; that’s why large companies have a team of market researchers dedicated to managing that research.

 

Your Role

This week, you’ll assume the role of a Market Research Manager at Target.

 

What Is a MARKET RESEARCH Manager?

Market Research Managers are responsible for creating and improving processes for gathering information on various market conditions, competitors, and consumer trends in their companies’ industries. They are typically responsible for managing a team of researchers and reporting their findings to the head of the department. Teams across the company then use these findings to help improve products, guide marketing efforts, and more.

 

As a Market Research Manager, part of your role is to consistently analyze Target’s position relative to its competitors and report on these findings. As part of this process, you complete a SWOT analysis for each of Target’s main competitors each quarter. The quarter is coming to a close, and your boss has asked for the latest SWOT analysis for Walmart.

 

Instructions

Step 1: RESEARCH

Search online and find 1-3 articles that discuss the competition between Target and Walmart. For each article:

·       Identify Provide a link to the article.

·       In 2-5 sentences, identify which aspects of the article will be helpful as you conduct your SWOT analysis.

 

Step 2: STRENGTHS

Based on your own experiences shopping at Target and Walmart and the research you conducted:

·       Identify 1-2 strengths Target has in comparison to Walmart. For each strength, explain your rationale in 2-3 sentences.

 

 

Step 3: WEAKNESSES

Based on your own experiences shopping at Target and Walmart and the research you conducted:

·       Identify 1-2 weaknesses Target has in comparison to Walmart. For each weakness, explain your rationale in 2-3 sentences.

 

 

Step 4: OPPORTUNITIES

Based on your own experiences shopping at Target and Walmart and the research you conducted:

·       Identify 1-2 possible opportunities Target has to be more competitive with Walmart. For each opportunity, explain your rationale in 2-3 sentences.

 

 

Step 5: THREATS

Based on your own experiences shopping at Target and Walmart and the research you conducted:

·       Identify 1-2 possible threats that might diminish Target’s competitiveness with Walmart. For each threat, explain your rationale in 2-3 sentences.

English 115

(This would need to be on domestic violence it would need to be written in stance essay also with a POV)

 

to write a stance essay. A stance essay takes a position on a topic and argues and supports that position with evidence. Consider your topic:

 

What possible positions/arguments are there?

 

What position resonates with you? (Which position do you believe is correct?)

 

What are your main points?

 

What are the counterpoints? Are you ready to dispute them?

 

Do you have enough evidence to effectively support your argument?

 

 

 

For the stance essay, your personal voice (your perspective) should come through. This is just like assignment 1, except you should maintain a formal tone. And just like assignment 2, you will need to support your points with credible sources. You’re ready to take a position on the topic you have been writing about and to be persuasive!

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

Compose a three-four (3-4) page paper in which you do the following:

 

 

 

Use third person point of view (POV) and the appropriate voice and tone throughout your paper. a. Did you use third person pronouns? (he, she, they, their)

 

 

 

b. Does your personality carry over in your writing? Are your word choices personal and consistent?

 

 

 

c. Is the tone formal? Does it express your atitude about the topic?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Write an introduction paragraph, which includes your thesis statement. It is suggested that this paragraph contain 5-7 sentences.a. Does your introduction include solutions or approaches on the topic?

 

 

 

b. Does your thesis statement include three supporting reasons that clearly express your stance on the topic?

 

 

 

c. Is your thesis statement clear and concise?

 

 

 

d. Does your introduction provide a preview of the rest of your essay?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Write a supporting/body paragraph for each of the three (3) points/reasons from your thesis statement. It is suggested that each paragraph contain at least 5-7 sentences.a. Do your body paragraphs support each point of your thesis with relevant examples or statistics?

 

 

 

b. Do you address the opinions or concerns that your audience might have?

 

 

 

c. Did you paraphrase, quote, or summarize properly to avoid plagiarism? Did

 

 

 

 

 

Did you comment on each quotation?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Write with logic and with transitions throughout your paper.a. Are your ideas consistent and well-organized, i.e., chronological order or order of importance?

 

 

 

b. Do your ideas flow from one sentence to the next and one paragraph to the next, in the order presented in your thesis statement?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Write a conclusion paragraph. It is suggested that this paragraph contain 5-7 sentences.a. Did you paraphrase or restate the thesis in a new way?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b. Did you leave a lasting impression, so that your readers continue thinking about your topic after they have finished reading?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apply proper grammarmechanicspunctuation and APA formatting throughout your paper.a. Did you check your grammar?i. The way words are put together to make units of meaning: Sentence structure, pronoun-agreement, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b. Did you check your essay for mechanics?i. All the “technical” stuff in writing: Spelling, capitalization, use of numbers and other symbols, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b. Did you check the punctuation?i. The “symbols” used to help people read/process sentences the way you want them to be heard and understood: Periods, question marks, commas, colons, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d. Did you format according to APA style? (See requirements below.)

 

 

 

 

 

APA FORMATTING

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your assignment must follow these general APA formatting requirements:

 

 

 

Be typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides. It should also have a running header, short title headers, numbered pages, indented paragraphs, and a References List with hanging indent(s).

 

 

 

Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. Note: The cover page is not included in the required assignment page length of three-four (3-4) pages.

 

 

 

In-text citations follow APA style, using attributive tags and signal verbs.

 

 

 

Did you cite at least four (4) sources (no more than two (2) of the provided sources in the webtext)? Are your sources credible?

 

 

 

Refer to the Soomo webtext or check with your professor for any additional instructions.

 

 Attachments: 

 

HW

Watch the YouTube video – Evaluating Websites.  This short video describes how to evaluate and compare websites you have found while doing research for your Module One essay.

Watch Video

Evaluating Websites
Duration: (2:38) 
User: anteater2112 – Added: 6/2/08
 

 

  Before you answer the questions below, read the following about bias and point of view:

 Point of view or bias reminds us that information is rarely neutral. Because data is used in selective ways to form information, it generally represents a point of view.

  • Every writer wants to prove his point, and will use the data and information that assists him in doing so.
  • When evaluating information found on the Internet, it is important to examine who is providing the “information” you are viewing, and what might be their point of view or bias.
  • If you are looking at products produced and sold by that corporation, remember: you are looking at an advertisement.
  • If you are reading about a political figure at the Web site of another political party, you are reading the opposition.
  • Does this document reside on the Web server of an organization that has a political or philosophical agenda?
  • If you are looking for scientific information on human genetics, would you trust a political organization to provide it?
  • Never assume that extremist points of view are always easy to detect. Some sites promoting these views may look educational.
  • Remember that anyone can purchase an .org Website.

Questions:

  1. List the URL (Website address) of a source you are using for your Module One essay.   After consideration, is this a good source to use in your college paper? Why or why not? Explain.
  2. Respond to a classmate – look at the source your classmate has selected. Explain why you believe this is or is not  a good source to be used in a college paper.

Assignment 2: LASA: Industrial Organization (I/O) Consultant Report

Assignment 2: LASA: Industrial Organization (I/O) Consultant Report

Assignment 2: LASA: Industrial Organization (I/O) Consultant Report

Scenario:

Erica Freeman, president and CEO of LoneStar Landscaping, has recently partnered with Andrew Porter to expand her established, reputable business to include his business specialties: hardscapes, pools, and spas. Erica and Andrew realize that they need to examine combined organizational structure, hire additional staff, and perhaps reassign several existing employees.

Tasks:

Erica and Andrew hire you as an Industrial Organization (I/O) consultant. Design a narrated Microsoft PowerPoint presentation to help them accomplish their goals.

In your presentation, respond to the following:

  • Section 1: Explain the role of a job analysis for successfully accomplishing their stated goals.
    • Explain why a job analysis is a necessary prerequisite to engage in the employee classification, selection, and placement projects.
    • Evaluate the existing job description that Erica and Andrew have provided you for the office manager position.
    • Deliver your professional opinion regarding whether the existing job description is sufficient or whether it needs revisions.
    • Justify your recommendations by citing relevant resources.
  • Section 2: Create and critique a selection rating scale for the position of receptionist.
    • Select and describe fifteen to twenty factors such as education, experience, abilities, and attitude, for assessment based on the job description provided.
    • Describe the measures used to assess candidate skills: resume, interview, other assessment instruments, or behavioral observation or a combination of assessment measures.
    • Design instructions for the use of the rating scale.
    • Discuss how you would test for reliability and validity of your selection plan.
    • Justify your recommendations by citing relevant resources.
  • Section 3: Analyze the need for a classification policy at LoneStar Landscaping. Next, develop an appropriate classification policy for LoneStar.
    • Identify the variety of employment classifications that may exist at the company, including exempt versus nonexempt, seasonal, temporary, and regular.
    • Explain how the policy addresses federal and state laws; clearly define each classification.
  • Section 4: Create a diversity policy for LoneStar Landscaping.
    • Identify and integrate strategies in the selection process to ensure the diversity in the hiring practices of LoneStar Landscaping.
    • Explain what considerations Erica and Andrew must make in order to address the needs of a multicultural candidate pool.
  • Section 5: Recommend a candidate for the position of office manager. (Note, the office manager is a different position from that of the receptionist position mentioned in section 1).
    • Erica and Andrew interviewed three candidates for an open administrative position. Please review their resumes and profiles and view and/or read a transcript of their interviews.

      Click here to view the details. Please note that there are multiple screens of additional detail. You will need to click the next arrow located in the bottom right-hand corner of each screen to advance to the next screen of additional detail.

    • Based on your learning in this course and the information provided in the interview materials, recommend and justify the best candidate for the job. Give reasons for choosing one candidate and not choosing the others.

Executive Summary

Create an executive/summary brief for your clients, Erica and Andrew. In the summary, provide an overview of the work you performed in Sections 1–4. Conclude your summary with recommended future workforce initiatives they might want to consider.

Your final product will be an audiovisual Microsoft PowerPoint presentation consisting of 15–20 slides, utilizing at least seven scholarly sources, and incorporating narration throughout. Your presentation should be delivered in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrate ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; and display accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Below is a link to a resource you may find helpful in creating your narrated Microsoft PowerPoint presentation.

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint-help/record-and-add-narration-and-timings-to-a-slide-show-HA010338313.aspx?CTT=1

 

Assignment Components
Proficient
Max Points

Explain the role of a job analysis for successfully accomplishing their stated goals.

CO: 1

PO: 1, 4

ILO: 2, 3, 6

Explanation fully describes why a job analysis is necessary to engage in employee classification, selection, and placement projects. The explanation also evaluates the existing job description, and includes an opinion regarding whether the existing job description is sufficient or whether it needs revisions. The explanation is supported using scholarly sources.
/52 pts.

Critique the selection rating scale for the position of Receptionist.

CO: 2

PO: 1, 2

ILO: 1, 2, 3, 6

Critique includes a description of 15 to 20 factors such as education, experience, abilities, and attitude, for assessment based on the job description provided. Critique fully describes the measures used to assess candidate skills: resume, interview, other assessment instruments, or behavioral observation or a combination of assessment measures. Critique includes specific instructions for the use of the rating scale, along with how to appropriately test for reliability and validity of your system. Recommendations are supported by scholarly sources.
/56 pts.

Analyze the classification policy.

CO: 4

PO: 1, 2

ILO: 1, 2, 3, 6

Analysis accurately identifies the variety of employment classifications that may exist at the company, including exempt versus nonexempt, seasonal, temporary, and regular. Analysis also explains how the policy addresses federal and state laws; clearly defining each classification.
/56 pts.

Analyze the diversity policy.

CO: 5

PO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

ILO: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Analysis includes an explanation of what considerations Erica and Andrew must make in order to address the needs of a multicultural candidate pool. Analysis also includes suggestions for how to improve the current diversity policy, and is supported using scholarly sources.
/56 pts.

Recommend a candidate for the position of Office Manager.

CO: 1, 3

PO: 1, 2, 3, 4

ILO: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6

Recommendation is clearly given for one candidate. Justification for choosing one candidate and not choosing the others is based on the information provided in the interview materials. /52 pts.
Presentation Standards    

Organization

Usage and Mechanics

APA Elements

Style

PO: 4

ILO: 2

Presentation is concise with a logical flow of thought; Content includes clearly articulated key points that are free of major errors. Presentation is visually appealing and addresses audience considerations adequately. / 28 pts.
Total   / 300 pts.

Assignment 2: Data Normalization—Avoiding Anomalies in the Database

Assignment 2: Data Normalization—Avoiding Anomalies in the Database

In this assignment, you will analyze the role of data normalization in avoiding the three types of modification anomalies.

According to Edgar F. Codd, the inventor of the relational model of database design, one of the objectives of data normalization is to free the database of modification anomalies. In particular, normalization seeks to prevent three types of modification anomalies:

·         Update anomalies

·         Insertion anomalies

·         Deletion anomalies

Tasks:

Using the Argosy University online library resources, scholarly or professional resources, your course textbook, and the Internet, conduct research on the three types of modification anomalies.

Based on your research, create a 3- to 5-page document in Microsoft Word, which includes:

·         An explanation of each type of modification anomaly and how each of these anomalies arises

·         An analysis and description of the use of the normalization process and how the normalization process seeks to prevent modification anomalies

Write in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrate ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources (i.e., APA); and use accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Submission Details:

·         Save the document as M2_A2_Lastname_Firstname.doc.

 

Assignment 2 Grading Criteria

Maximum Points

Explained each type of modification anomaly and how each of these anomalies arises.

40

Analyzed and described the use of the normalization process and how the normalization process seeks to prevent modification anomalies.

40

Wrote in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrated ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources (i.e., APA); and used accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

20

Total:

100

 

English 121

 

Prepare: As you prepare to write your second discussion for this week, take a few moments to do the following:

  • Read the the Final Essay assignment instructions in Week Five (your draft is due in Week Three, and the Final Essay is due in Week Five).
  • Review the Instructor Guidance for this week.
  • Read Chapter 4 of Essentials of College Writing, paying close attention to the techniques for generating ideas.
  • Review the Grading Rubric for this discussion.
 
head with Qmarks.png Reflect: Take time to reflect on the techniques for generating ideas discussed in Chapter 4.

  • Think about which techniques might be more helpful for you when choosing topics.
  • Start brainstorming three to five ideas for your personal essay.
 
writting hand.png Write: In your initial post:

  • Provide your three to five ideas (in list format) for your Final Essay.
  • Write a paragraph explaining how you used the techniques in Chapter 4 to come up with those ideas.
  • Share what you think the key elements of a narrative are (i.e., what makes a good story work).

Your initial post must be 200 to 300 words in length and posted by Day 3. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly sources, and properly cite any references as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..

 
Discussion bubbles.png Respond to Peers: Review what your peers have posted, and respond to two classmates on the following:

  • Explain which of your classmates’ ideas for a personal essay seem more intriguing and why.
  • Compare the techniques your classmates used to develop their ideas in comparison to the techniques you chose.
  • Explain why you chose the techniques you did and whether you will try your classmates’ techniques in the future.

Response posts must be 125 to 200 words in length for each. If you have questions about how to participate in discussions, consult “About Discussions” under the Course Home menu. You are not required to support your claims with additional scholarly sources; however, should you decide to use additional sources, make sure you properly cite any references. Refer to the Ashford Writing Center’s Citation and Reference Guide (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. for guidelines on citing sources in APA style.

 

Assignment 2 HRM 530

Assignment 2: Job Analysis / Job Description

Due Week 4 and worth 100 points

 

Go to YouTube, located at http://www.youtube.com/, and search for an episode of “UnderCover Boss”. Imagine you are the CEO of the company in the selected episode.

Write a two to three (2-3) page paper in which you:

1.     Compare two (2) job positions from the episode and perform a job analysis of each position. 

2.     Describe your method of collecting the information for the job analysis (i.e., one-on-one, interview, survey, etc.).

3.     Create a job description from the job analysis.

4.     Justify your belief that the job analysis and job description are in compliance with state and federal regulations.

5.     Use at least three (3) quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources. 

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

·         Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.

·         Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

·          

Points: 100

Assignment 2: Job Analysis / Job Description

Criteria

Unacceptable

Below 70% F

Fair

70-79% C

Proficient

80-89% B

Exemplary

90-100% A

1. Compare two (2) job positions from the episode and perform a job analysis of each position.

Weight: 20%

Did not submit or incompletely compared two (2) job positions from the episode and did not submit or incompletely performed a job analysis of each position.

Partially compared two (2) job positions from the episode and partially performed a job analysis of each position.

Satisfactorily compared two (2) job positions from the episode and satisfactorily performed a job analysis of each position.

Thoroughly compared two (2) job positions from the episode and thoroughly performed a job analysis of each position.

2. Describe your method of collecting the information for the job analysis (i.e., one-on-one, interview, survey, etc.).
Weight: 20%

Did not submit or incompletely described your method of collecting the information for the job analysis (i.e., one-on-one, interview, survey, etc.).

Partially described your method of collecting the information for the job analysis (i.e., one-on-one, interview, survey, etc.).

Satisfactorily described your method of collecting the information for the job analysis (i.e., one-on-one, interview, survey, etc.).

Thoroughly described your method of collecting the information for the job analysis (i.e., one-on-one, interview, survey, etc.).

3. Create a job description from the job analysis.

Weight: 20%

Did not submit or incompletely created a job description from the job analysis.

Partially created a job description from the job analysis.

Satisfactorily created a job description from the job analysis.

Thoroughly created a job description from the job analysis.

4. Justify your belief that the job analysis and job description are in compliance with state and federal regulations.

Weight: 25%

Did not submit or incompletely justified your belief that the job analysis and job description are in compliance with state and federal regulations.

Partially justified your belief that the job analysis and job description are in compliance with state and federal regulations.

Satisfactorily justified your belief that the job analysis and job description are in compliance with state and federal regulations.

Thoroughly justified your belief that the job analysis and job description are in compliance with state and federal regulations.

5. 3 references

Weight: 5%

No references provided

Does not meet the required number of references; some or all references poor quality choices.

Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices.

Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices.

6. Clarity, writing mechanics, and formatting requirements

Weight: 10%

More than 6 errors present

5-6 errors present

3-4 errors present

0-2 errors present

 

 

Assignment 2: LASA 1: Case Studies Presentation

Assignment 2: LASA 1: Case Studies Presentation

By Wednesday, May 25, 2016, create a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation to educate a group of medical students participating in their grand rounds. There should be at least ten slides in your Microsoft PowerPoint as well as a title slide and a slide listing all your sources for creating this slideshow. You should also create speaker notes for each slide of your presentation, which include the main talking points for the topic addressed on the slide. Save the presentation as AU_PSY350_M3_A2_LastName_FirstInitial.ppt. Submit your assignment to theM3 Assignment 2 LASA 1 Dropbox.

In order to create your slideshow, review the two case studies and then answer the questions following each case study:

Case Study 1: Isaac is a fifty-nine-year-old man. Several months ago, he noticed a slight tremor in his hands. He assumed this to be a normal consequence of aging. The tremor, however, gradually worsened, along with some muscular stiffness and slowness in initiating movement. The tremor was more pronounced when he was not voluntarily moving. Isaac was referred to a neurologist, who diagnosed him with Parkinson’s disease. After visiting the neurologist, Isaac and his family ask you to further explain this disorder. Isaac also asks about L-dopa as a treatment—the neurologist had mentioned L-dopa as an effective medication but had instead prescribed selegiline:

·         What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

·         What are the possible causes? Be sure to discuss both hereditary and environmental factors thought to contribute to this disease.

·         What parts of the brain does this disease affect?

·         Why do you think the neurologist prescribed selegiline instead of L-dopa?

Case Study 2: Sabrina is a twenty-seven-year-old woman who recently underwent a corpus callosotomy. Initially after surgery, when given a verbal command, Sabrina demonstrated marked apraxia of the left hand. However, the extent of this issue diminished over time. Answer the following questions about this client:

·         What disorder was most likely being treated by this operation, and how is the surgery performed?

·         In what way is the surgery expected to help Sabrina?

·         What are the risks and benefits of the surgery? Compare these to the risks and benefits of an alternative treatment. If the decision were yours, which would you recommend? Explain your decision.

·         What was the cause of the apraxia?

·         What does the reduction in apraxia symptoms tell us about hemispheric specialization?

Click here to follow tips on creating a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation. For this assignment and all Dropbox assignments, you are required to cite, at a minimum, the online course and the textbook for the course. Additional sources are welcome. Scholarly sources are preferred and can be found in the Argosy University online library. For reputable web sources, look for .gov or .edu sites as opposed to .com sites. Do not use Wikipedia.

Assignment 2 Grading Criteria

Maximum Points

Described the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Discussed what parts of the brain this disease affects.

24

Discussed hereditary and environmental factors thought to contribute to Parkinson’s disease.

24

Analyzed the reasons why selegiline was prescribed instead of L-dopa.

28

Discussed the disorder being treated by the corpus callosotomy and how the surgery is performed. Explained how the surgery will help Sabrina.

20

Analyzed the risks and benefits of the surgery and an alternative treatment and explained your recommendation.

24

Explained the cause of the apraxia.

16

Analyzed what the reduction in apraxia symptoms reveals about hemispheric specialization.

20

Used standard presentation components.

44

Total:

200

 

 

 

 

Compare and Contrast

Compare and Contrast Instructions

The table below provides an extensive list of topic options from which you must select, and we recommend that you choose one that you are interested in beyond this course. For instance, if you are a Finance or Business major, you might be interested in the Stocks v. Bonds topic. If you are a Political Science major, you might choose Monarchy v. Presidency. Or perhaps you’re taking StraighterLine’s Intro to Philosophy course, in which case you might opt for the Hobbes v. Locke topic. Note that you must use at least one credible source to support your ideas. 

Additional helpful resources:

Compare/Contrast Rubric | Compare and Contrast Sample

You may choose any of these topics:
Topic Options

•Stocks v. Bonds

•Socialism v. Capitalism

•Hitler v. Napoleon

•Apple v. Microsoft

•Renaissance Art v. Baroque Art (or any two artistic periods)

•Biology v. Chemistry

•America in the 1950s v. the 1970s

•Women in 1914 v. today

•Pop Culture in the 1980s v. Pop Culture today

•Abraham Lincoln v. Thomas Jefferson (or any two presidencies)

•British English v. American English

•Writing for print v. Writing for the Web•American Government v. Canadian Government (or any world government) 

•US Constitution v. Articles of Confederation

•Star Wars v. Star Trek

•Monarchy v. Presidency 

•Thomas Hobbes v. John Locke (or any two philosophers) 

•The former USSR v. Russia today 

•(World War) Allies v. Axis 

•Maya Angelou v. Adrienne Rich (or any two poets) 

•Nazism v. Fascism

 

Choose one of the options above and write an essay comparing or contrasting the two topics in your selection using EITHER the point-by-point OR the subject-by-subject method to organize the details and specific examples. Consider focusing on three to five subtopics and generate ideas through prewriting. Develop a strong thesis statement for your essay that includes your two topics from the list above; your three to five subtopics; and a claim about how they are similar, different, or both. 

Sample Thesis Statements:

If you will argue that your two topics are mostly similar:

Topic A and Topic B share many similar characteristics, including (Supporting point 1), (Supporting point 2), and (Supporting point 3); while they differ in (Additional supporting point), the similarities greatly outweigh the differences. 

OR

If you will argue that your two topics are mostly different:

While Topic A and Topic B have (Additional supporting point) in common, they are mostly quite different; in fact, they differ in characteristics such as (Supporting point 1), (Supporting point 2), and (Supporting point 3).

OR

If you will argue that your two topics have many important/interesting similarities and differences: 

Analyzing Topic A and Topic B reveals many fascinating similarities as well as differences; for instance, they share (Supporting point 1) and (Supporting point 1), but are vastly different when it comes to (Supporting point 3) and (Supporting point 4). 

 

Tips

To brainstorm, you might consider using a Venn diagram or a simple list to show what your topics have in common and how they differ. Then you can select the most prominent or interesting characteristics that you want to highlight in your paper. 

Be sure to avoid beginning your comparisons or contrasts in the introduction. Your thesis is the only place in the introduction where you will include this information. Use the introduction to get your reader’s attention, and consider using a good strategy that leads into the topic. For instance, you might relate a short anecdote to illustrate your topic, an interesting quotation that relates to your topic, or perhaps a surprising statistic that reveals something about your topic. 

Then, in the body paragraphs remember to support your claim(s) outlined in the thesis. For instance, if one of your points says the city and the country are different in terms of transportation, be sure the topic sentence of one body paragraph presents a similar statement. In addition, spend equal time on each subtopic in each body paragraph, and one way to develop organized body paragraphs is to focus on one topic before moving to the next one so that the paragraph support is split 50/50. In other words, using the example above, you would explain the transportation options in the city in full, and then, you would detail the types of contrasting transportation in the country. End each body paragraph with a strong concluding sentence that synthesizes that paragraph’s discussions. 

The conclusion should sum up the specific supporting points as well as your overall assessment of why these points are important. Consider what kinds of interesting or new conclusions you can draw from your comparison. In other words, your essay must reveal why your comparison is important. A well-developed paragraph often contains a minimum of five sentences. Note that any of the main sections below labeled with Roman Numerals (I, II, III, IV) could be more than just a single paragraph. 

Point-by-Point

I. Introduction 
    A. Thesis 
    B. Additional information to introduce your topic and gain the reader’s attention

II. Supporting point 1 
    A. Topic 1 
    B. Topic 2 

III. Supporting point 2 
    A. Topic 1 
    B. Topic 2 

IV. Supporting point 3
    A. Topic 1 
    B. Topic 2 

V. Supporting point 4 or Additional point
    A. Topic 1 
    B. Topic 2 

VI. Conclusion 
    A. Reiterate your thesis (but do not simply restate it from the introduction)
    B. Give your overall assessment—the “so what” factor—about your topic. For instance, is one topic better than the other for some reason? Is one topic misunderstood?

 

Subject-by-Subject

I. Introduction 
    A. Thesis 
    B. Additional information to introduce your topic and gain the reader’s attention 

II. Topic 1 
    A. Supporting point 1 
    B. Supporting point 2 
    C. Supporting point 3 
    D. Supporting point 4 or Additional point 

III. Topic 2 
    A. Supporting point 1 
    B. Supporting point 2 
    C. Supporting point 3 
    D. Supporting point 4 or Additional point 

V. Conclusion 
    A. Reiterate your thesis (but do not simply restate it from the introduction)
    B. Give your overall assessment—the “so what” factor—about your topic. For instance, is one topic better than the other for some reason? Is one topic misunderstood? 

 

Here’s an example of how you might organize using these methods for an essay about cats versus dogs as pets (remember, this topic is not one of the options for this essay). 

Point-by-Point

I. Introduction 
    A. Thesis: While cats and dogs are both clear winners when it comes to pet choices, these animals are vastly different when it comes to noise level, exercise needs, and cleanliness. 

II. Subtopic 1: Noise level 
    A. Topic 1: Cats are quiet
    B. Topic 2: Dogs can be noisy 

III. Subtopic 2: Exercise
    A. Topic 1: Cats do not have to be walked 
    B. Topic 2: Dogs require exercise 

IV. Subtopic 3: Cleanliness 
    A. Topic 1: Cats groom themselves 
    B. Topic 2: Dogs need to be bathed 

V. Conclusion 

 

Subject-by-Subject

I. Introduction 
    A. Thesis: While cats and dogs are both clear winners when it comes to pet choices, these animals are vastly different when it comes to noise level, exercise needs, and cleanliness. 

II. Topic 1: Cats 
    A. Subtopic 1: Noise level 
    B. Subtopic 2: Exercise 
    C. Subtopic 3: Cleanliness 

III. Topic 2: Dogs 
    A. Subtopic 1: Noise level 
    B. Subtopic 2: Exercise 
    C. Subtopic 3: Cleanliness 

IV. Conclusion 

 

The guidelines for this assignment are as follows:

Remember to apply the concepts you’re learning in the course, including elements of grammar, punctuation, thesis development, and other skills. 

Length: This assignment should be at least 500 words.

Sources: You need a bare minimum of one credible source for this assignment. 

Header: Include a header in the upper left-hand corner of your writing assignment with the following information:

 

  • Your first and last name 
  • Course Title (Composition I) 
  • Assignment name (Comparison and Contrast) 
  • Current Date

 

Format:

 

  • MLA style documentation (please see the tutorial in the course topic)
  • Last name and page number in upper-right corner of each page 
  • Double-spacing throughout
  • Title, centered after heading
  • Standard font (Times New Roman or Calibri)
  • 1″ margins on all sides
  • Save the file as .docx  or  .doc format

Respond please 5 8 sentences

  • Response Guidelines

    Review the responses of at least two other learners and respond to their work.

    Consider the following ideas in each response.

    • Contrast each learner’s posting with the plan you proposed.
    • Evaluate the effectiveness of their plans.

    Homan (2016) stresses for organization that people are your most valuable resource that any organization can have. The organization cannot do it all by themselves. When you bring people in, you have the potential to bring a variety of talents and assets to the table (p. 173). “Any change that amounts to anything involves other people, maybe even a lot of people” (p. 173). With talents and assets, they can bring new ideas as well. Most importantly, you are allowing outsiders in to be a part of something bigger. People are always looking to help and give back. Why not utilize this into something greater the organization already is.

    With more hands involved there is additional help to help with any future fundraising events. Not only does the organization get include others into meaningful, sometimes lifechanging events, but we have a labor pool to fill the gap rather to hire temporary help. With a fundraising event, the organization can brand themselves, let others know the new direction, recruit potential funders, and possibly partner with other organizations that can supply us with future items, for the new mission, or more fundraising events. The need to meet new people and organizations are priority to furthering the new course. Maybe with money, maybe with items, and maybe with added services for the new population. Anything that is more than what we have is progress. With progress comes change.  

     

    References

    Homan, M. (2016). Promoting community change: Making it happen in the real world (6th ed.), Boston, MA: Cengage Learning. ISBN: 9781305101944.