Saturday, April 25, 2020

Management in Agency Volunteer Services

Analysis of AVS shift from providing social service to fostering civil society development and factors that contributed to the shift Change of Leadership Styles Agency for Volunteer Service (AVS) experienced a temporary management catastrophe in 1997, when the executive director passed on. It was not clear who would be the immediate successor. Managerial styles were a major blow to AVS. A good example was the tenure of office by Mr Frederick Lee Jr. His style of leadership was centralized and remained unchanged throughout the seven years he was in office (Wong and Chan, 2007, p.2).Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Management in Agency Volunteer Services specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More A panel of management committee members was required to make most of the major decisions, but the CEO made all resolutions independently. The committee was thus just a formal body, whose roles were honorary as opposed to admini strative. The executive director was thus the epicentre for the years he was in office. His demise was a sudden call for change on the management’s structure as well as managerial style at AVS. Nobody was ready to take over because the previous regime had no procedures of delegating duties. The board of directors had to take over management, assign directorship and find ways of organizing administration. Change of Donors’ Support As a non-governmental organization, AVS was dependent on the government’s social welfare department as their main sponsor. The department was a major benefactor with over 80% of AVS funds. The department however shifted goals in year 2000 to become a home affairs bureau. Considering that, the department was the main donor, AVS’s Commitment thus changed from social services to align with the bureau’s role of nurturing development of the civil society. This translated to change of management strategies to cater for bureau re sponsibilities. According to Wong and Chan (2007, p.9), the organization had to change its operation strategies. The government was considering community development, achieved through empowering the society as opposed to the reactive model of delivering social services to the needy. The government was ready to work side-by-side with the organization; therefore, AVS had to change its operation strategies to fit the new needs of the bureau. â€Å"International Year of Volunteers† The NGO also faced new challenges due the strategic review of 2001, which saw the organization engage new vision of establishing competence and partnership to promote sustainable development through volunteerism campaigns (Wong and Chan, 2007, p.9). Change of organization strategies was eminent during the campaigns in order to improve service quality for volunteers internationally.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The organization required a plan to come up with a public study over perception and reception of the volunteering services. The organization also needed to ensure that new services were in line with the overall objectives, mission and vision of the government (sponsors). This meant that AVS had to change the overall values at the managerial level to measure up with the new requirements and objectives of the government bureau. Although the operational level would remain practically the same, the management would need clear directives for long-term survival in the civil society. Role of Management There was also need to have a clear difference and categorization between role of the management and board of directors. This would assist the organization avoid a situation like what had happened earlier, when the CEO passed on. The two units were the core service bodies of the organization and a clear administrative procedure would translate to improved efficiency and effectiveness. Financial resources were becoming more limited therefore the organization needed officials who were competent enough to manage through implementation of cost-effective measures. They would also keenly work in line with government policies to avoid uncertainties that would negatively affect funding. The staffs were concern over job insecurity and this meant the management had to strategically redefine and address all apprehensions afresh. Reasons Why AVS engaged transformation in the aim of implementing a Strategic Vision There were needs for the management to review its work strategies and plan by implementing a SWOT (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis (Wong and Chan, 2007, p.8). In line with Wong and Chan (2007, p.8), a three-year strategic plan, vision and mission of the organization were re-established. Some of the highlighted aspects included procedures of enforcing a people-oriented volunteering initiative by proactively encouraging pot ential volunteers. Secondly, the managerial paradigm shift would address citizen’s involvement in volunteering as a key future strategy of empowering the society. Thirdly, the organization would need to enforce a global participation initiative to facilitate transfer of skills, technology and mutual coordination among potential volunteers.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Management in Agency Volunteer Services specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More AVS had to strategize on ways of fighting individualism by enriching volunteering through participation in practical activities such as culture, health and environment. Lastly, the organization had to enforce productivity through implementation of new information technology for instance the web-based volunteering initiative. AVS needed to focus mostly on the importance of collaborating with diverse sectors, mobilize and facilitate superiority services. There was also need to proactively educate the society and encourage participation in promotion of sustainable development. Secondly, the limited budget of AVS meant that the organization had to scale down and focus on ensuring perfection, to promote quality-volunteering services. The organization also focused on fulfilment of its mission and through the 30-years’ experience, decided to pursue the vision of finding more global strategic partners. In line with Wong and Chan, the internationally designated year of volunteers (2001) instigated networking, promotion, facilitation and recognition as the key elements for better service delivery (Spector, p.68). Notably, AVS needed to recruit qualified professionals for international assignments especially at transnational levels, especially in developing countries. Competencies Demonstrated by AVS Management in Facilitation of Organization Transformation AVS engaged partnership with various agencies including the private sectors for instanc e the Crystal Group, which funded the volunteering program in China (Wong and Chan, p.10). The new management comprising of Board of managers provided a recruitment procedure for the managerial level employees. Competent managers were required to cater for international duties especially in developing countries. It was professional for them to search beyond the traditional societies, and develop contacts in cultural, health and educational sector. Beside the environmental and initial managerial challenges, the ability to budget for limited resources and effectively deliver services demonstrated the organization’s competence. The self-sufficiency of the organization particularly after the government funds decreased from 80% in 1970s-1980s to 30% in 2000 indicated improved managerial competence especially on financial management (Wong and Chan p.8). Analysis of government budgetary allocations between 1999 and 2004 indicated that the organization was departing from being full d ependent on government provisions (Wong and Chan p.8).Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More AVS management decided executive committee members could not play an honorary role like the previous board, but be more active, visible in performance and accountable. The board would thus oversee the managerial duties. The competence of the management was visible when they were keen on acquisition of resources through lobbying for funds to establish potential partnerships. arious special initiatives were also eminent, for instance the â€Å"study on volunteering service in 2001† (Wong and Chan, p.9). The management had established a volunteering service plan, which was a 3-year strategic review plan among other future development plans. The program was in place by 2001(Wong and Chan, p.17). Influences of the NGO Environment on Managerial Procedures of Handling Change The environmental or structural setup of non-governmental organizations varies considerably. The current advancement of information and communication technology influences formation of community/locally-based NG Os that are active at national and international levels. The organizations are social forums formed within a civil society. The society on the other hand works in partnership with the government and private sectors. The government therefore has influence over organizations through civil societies. Organizations play an amicable role of strengthening and establishing civil societies especially in remote areas. Although formed as collaborating entities, the credibility of NGOs depends on independence. There is great influence on NGOs by the government due to funding, especially when the organization is highly dependent on such funds for instance the AVS case analysis in the 1980s and 1990s (Wong and Chan, p.11). The governments tend to influence organisations towards their political favours such as promoting regime policies. The emergence of ‘government owned NGOs’ abbreviated ‘GONGO’ thus emanates from such environments, where there are high government influ ences. An authoritarian social environment also has great influence over the way the organization handles changes. The organizations have financial difficulties when they act independently and the society may fails to recognize or acknowledge such an NGO, unless when based on a very strong social environment. NGOs dealing with humanitarian and development relief also face the challenge of establishing and sourcing more resources to run their operations. Considering the challenges, most of such organizations readily accept official government funding and weaken their influential powers, due to the controls established by the governments through the funds. The case study of AVS is a clear indication of how the government was influential at the initial stages. During the shift of focus from social service to civil society bureau, AVS had to transform and be in line with the funders. However, the organization improved and becomes more independent over the years of experience. Managerial competence and actions are the main influences of transformation in an NGO. There is great and constant transformation of organization environments especially the role and activities undertaken to lobby for funds. The role of the management is ever changing and thus technical expertise is increasingly becoming vital. The change of the work environment thus increases workloads and responsibilities. Change requires managers, board of directors or supervisors to understand the complexity of a workforce. The working environment directly determines the area of coverage, particularly the attitude and behaviour of volunteers and performance of the management. Conclusion The working environment also assists in defining human behaviour in relation to volunteering. Transparency of operations and managerial commitment to work in accordance with the set rules, vision, mission and goals helps to establish the work environment. Stakeholders especially the benefactors therefore cannot easily infl uence a work environment that is free from chances of venality. References Spector, B 2009, Implementing Organizational Change: Theory into Practice, 2nd ed,   Prentice Hall, New Jersey. Wong, G., and Chan, J 2007, Organizational Transformation: Agency for Volunteer  Service, Asia Case Research Centre. Hong Kong, China. This case study on Management in Agency Volunteer Services was written and submitted by user Mario Cox to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Risk Analysis Example

Risk Analysis Example Risk Analysis – Coursework Example Risk Analysis [Pick the With the increasing use of modern information technology, it is become increasing important that appropriate measures be taken by organizations to protect their information from cyber threats and the related warfare. Managers of businesses are therefore becoming increasingly conscious about the sensitivity of this issue, and are employing various measures to ensure privacy and protection (Steer et al, 2010). Due to the fact that the world is turning into a global village, the managers should keep in mind the fact that additional measures should be taken to ensure security of a company’s information, if information has been outsourced to third parties for processing.In order to ensure the effectiveness of measures taken to protect sensitive information, it is essential that a detailed risk analysis is conducted on frequent intervals to identify the nature and existence of risks that arise with the passage of time (Campana, 2008). Since new threats arise continuously, the managers should be extremely vigilant in this regard and continuous monitoring should be carried out to detect the risks. Additionally, they should continuously update their knowledge regarding detection and management of the risks that arise in the world of information technology. The basic notion that underlies the measurement of success of risk analysis is the comparison of performance to the already established objectives. The risk analysis can be regarded as being successful if the performance of the system shows the required improvement (Bonham, 2008). Contrary to this, if the performance fails to correspond to the pre-defined objectives, risk analysis may be regarded as being faulty or unsuccessful. ReferencesBonham, S. S. (2008).  Actionable strategies through integrated performance, process, project, and risk management. Boston: Artech House.Campana, J. (2008).  Privacy makeover: The essential guide to best practices : how to protect assets and foster consumer loyalty. Madison, WI: Bell House Press.Steers, R. M., SaÃŒ nchez-Runde, S. C. J., & Nardon, L. (2010).  Management across cultures: Challenges and strategies. Cambridge [etc.: Cambridge University Press.

Monday, March 2, 2020

S - Glossary of the First World War

S - Glossary of the First World War SAA: Small Arms Ammunition. Sablatnig SF-Types: Series of German reconnaissance floatplanes.Sac terre : Sandbag.St. Étienne Gun: French machine gun used when production of the standard Hotchkiss gun couldn’t meet demand. Originally used a thirty round magazine; withdrawn in 1916.Salient: Any ‘bulge’ or projection out from a battle line.Sallies / Salvoes: Salvation Army Officers; ran relief operations behind the lines.Salmson 2: French armed reconnaissance biplane used in 1918.SAML: Italian reconnaissance biplane.S ammunition: Spitz-Munition, the normal German bullet.Sammy: French slang for Americans.Sandbag: Bags filled with earth or sand and used in the construction of defences.San fairy ann: British expression of fatalism.Sangar: Wall to defend against small arms fire.Sap / Sapping: In trench warfare, the practice of digging small ‘sap’ trenches at roughly ninety degrees out from existing lines and then digging a new trench line at the front of the saps. A slow, but relat ively safe, way of moving forward.Sapper: Royal Engineer. Sarg: Slang for the Hansa-Brandenburg D1 airplane.Sausage: Captive barrage balloons.Sausage Hill: ‘To go to Sausage Hill’ was to be captured by Germans.SB: Stretcher Bearer.Scharnhorst: Class of German armoured cruiser.‘Schlanke Emma’: Skinny Emma, a 305mm howitzer built by Austria-Hungary and famously (and very effectively) used by Germany in 1914.Schusta: Schutzstaffeln (below).Schutzstaffeln: German unit protecting reconnaissance aircraft.Schà ¼tzen: German Rifle Corps.Schà ¼tzengrabenvernichtungaautomobil: Tank.Schà ¼tte-Lanz: A type of German airship.Schwarze Marie: German slang for a heavy naval gun.Schwarzlose: The standard machine gun of the Austro-Hungarian army; fired 8mm bullets.Scran: 1. Food, 2. Rubbish.SD: Sanitts-Departement, Medical Department of the German War Ministry.SE-5: British fighter biplane used after 1917.Sea Scouts: British observation airships.Seaplane Carriers: Ships which carried seaplanes; these could sometimes take off from the deck of the carrier, but couldn’t land; instead they used floats to land in the sea and where winched back on. Selective Service Act: Law requiring all US males between 21-30, later 18-45, to register for possible conscription.Sepoy: Indian private of infantry.Shashqa: Cossack Sabre.Shell dressing: A dressing larger than the field dressing.Shell Shock: Psychological damage/trauma caused by exposure to warfare.Shinel: Russian Greatcoat.Short 184: British floatplane torpedo bomber.Short 320: British floatplane torpedo bomber.Short 827: British reconnaissance floatplane.Shrapnel: Officially balls carried by certain artillery shells to cause maximum damage to infantry, but often used to describe all shards/damage causing pieces from artillery shells.SIA: Societ Italiana Aviazione, Italian manufacturer of aircraft.SIA-9B: Italian reconnaissance biplane of 1918.Siemens-Schuckert D-I: German fighter plane, a copy of the Nieuport 17.Siemens-Schuckert D-IV: German fighter plane of 1918.Siemens-Schuckert R-Type: Large German bombing plane.Sigarneo: Okay.Signalese: The phonetic alphabet.Sikorski IM: Rus sia heavy bomber. Silent Percy: Slang for a gun firing at such range it couldn’t be heard.Silent Susan: High velocity shells.Silladar: System where Indian cavalryman owned their own horse.Sister Susie: Women doing army work.SIW: Self Inflicted Wound.Skilly: Very watery stew.Skite: ANZAC slang for a boaster.Slack / Spoil: Debris caused by an explosion.SM: Company Sergeant Major.Smasher: Felt slouch hat.SmK: German armour piercing ammo.SMLE: Short Magazine Lee-Enfield.Snob: A soldier who repaired boots.Soldier’s Friend: Type of boot polish.Sopwoth Baby: British floatplane.Sopwith Camel: British fighter biplane used from July 1917 to the war’s end.Sopwith 5F-1 Dolphin: British fighter/ground attack biplane.Sopwith ‘Pup’ / Scout: Officially called the Sopwith Scout or Type 9901, the Pup was a single seat fighter.Sopwith TF-2 Salamander: British ground attack biplane.Sopwith Schneider: British floatplane.Sopwith 7F-1 Snipe: British fighter biplane.Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter: B ritish fighter biplane used by many of the Allies. Sopwith Tabloid: British scout and light bombing plane.Sopwith Triplane: British fighter plane with three wings.SOS: 1. The firing of colour coded rocket from the front line to call down supporting fire. 2. Service of Supply.Sotnia: Russian cavalry squad.Sotnik: Cossack lieutenant.Souvenir: To steal.South Carolina: American class of battleships.Sowar: Indian cavalry soldier.SP: Section de parc, French mechanical transport.SPAD: French manufacturer of aircraft originally called Socià ©tà © Provisoire des Aà «roplanes Deperdussin, but replaced in 1914 by Socià ©tà © pour l’Aviation et ses Dà ©rivà ©s.Spad A-2: French armed reconnaissance biplane, used mainly on the Eastern front.Spad S-VII: French fighter biplane.Spad S-XIII: French fighter biplane used by most allies after summer 1917.Spad S-XVII: French fighter released in 1918.‘Spandau’ Gun: Allied name for the German 7.92mm Maschinengewehr, derived from a confusion of official names (the Allies thought th e gun was called a Spandau, not produced by them). ‘Spider’s Web’: A system of floatplane patrols targeting submarines in the North Sea after May 1917.Splash: Either bullet fragments which pass through a tanks observation slits or splinters of metal knocked off the outside of a tank by bullet impacts.Springfield: Standard rifle of the US army.Spud: 1. Potatoes 2. Anyone called Murphy 3. Iron devices attached to tank tracks to improve grip. Squaddy: Soldier. SR: Scottish Rifles, the Cameronians. SRD: ‘Service Rum, Dilute’, label on rum jars. SS: Section sanitaire, French field ambulance. Stabsoffizier: German field officer. Stand down: The end of a stand-to (see below). Standschà ¼tzen: The reserve mountain troops of Tirolea. Stand To: Manning trenches to repel at attack, always done at least as dawn and dusk. Starshina: Lieutenant-Colonel of the Cossacks. Starski unteroffizier: Russian sergeant. Stavka: The central command of the Russian army. Stellenbosch: Being relieved of command and sent home. Stick-bomb: Hand grenade with a handle. Stinker: Winter goatskin jerkin. Stinks: Soldiers handling gas. Stomag: Stabsoffizier der Maschinengewehre, German staff officer of machine gun units. Stosstruppen: Storm troops. Stoverm: Stabsoffizier der Vermessungswesens, German staff officer of surveying. Strafe: 1. A bombardment/clump of fire. 2. To be told off. Straight: Truth. Stranbaus Horn: Gas alarm. Stunt: 1. An attack. 2. Something clever. Sturmpanzerkraftwagen: Tank. Sturmtruppen: Storm troops. Subedar: Indian lieutenant of infantry. Submarine: British nickname for the bloater fish. Suicide club: A bombing party. SVA: Savoia-Verduzio-Ansaldo, Italian manufacturer of aircraft. Swaddy: Private soldier. Swagger-stick: Cane carried by off duty soldiers. Systà ¨me D: French slang for confusion. : French slang for confusion.

Friday, February 14, 2020

Diseases Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Diseases - Term Paper Example (2). The parasitic protozoa species of the plasmodium genus is responsible for malaria in humans making it the vector for transmission of malaria. The primary mode of transmission of the infection is through the bite of a female anopheles species of mosquito. Severe malaria that can lead to severe morbidity or even death is normally attributed to Plasmodium falciparum. Though malaria can also be transmitted during blood transfusion or between mother and child during pregnancy, these modes of transmission are found to occur rarely. (2). The plasmodia are present in the saliva of the infected anopheles mosquito and pass it on to the human host at the time of drawing blood from the human as its meal. The plasmodia target the red blood cells and enter them and use the hemoglobin and other proteins in the cells for nutrition. This results in RBC cystoloysis leading to the toxic metabolic byproducts entering the blood stream and producing the symptoms of malaria, which resemble flu and include chills, headache, myalgias, and malaise. Jaundice, anemia and kidney failure are the more severe results of malaria, which can progress to coma and death. The more severe consequences of malaria can be avoided through proper treatment. (2). Chloroquine phosphate remains the drug of choice in the treatment of malaria. (2). However the treatment of malaria is not easy because of resistance to chloroquine and evaluation of resistance by the infecting strain is essential to decide on the anti-malarial agent to be used. Where resistance is encountered use of other forms of quinine or a range of other anti-malarial drugs capable of arresting the infection would have to be considered for use. (3). Filariasis occurs in both humans and animals. The nematode parasites of the order Filariidae or filariae are responsible for the infection. Only

Saturday, February 1, 2020

Abolition of African American Slavery Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Abolition of African American Slavery - Essay Example From this paper it is clear that  the educated and elite blacks deserved equal rights of citizenship since they could contribute to the growth of the country. The blacks also used various political and judicial platforms to advocate and fight for this right of citizenship. Also, the tireless efforts of the blacks and the abolitionists played a key role in structuring and supporting the black freedom.   When the non-violent strategies that were used by the abolitionists failed, those that were enslaved and those that were free considered the use of radical actions.As the report discusses  since 1864, the blacks used the National Black Convention Movement to fight for their right to vote and full representation in the American affairs. One aspect of the history is abolition. In the history of Black Americans, there was the formation of the abolitionist movement. The aim of the group was to allow emancipation of all slaves after racial discrimination and segregation. Advocating fo r immediate emulsification made the difference between moderate antislavery advocates and abolitionists. Abolitions due to race were mainly encouraged by regional favor during second great awakening. This activity prompted many people to advocate for emancipation with the consideration of their religion. The idea on abolishment became prominent in other churches and political beginnings in the start of 1830s. This mainly contributed to the division of the region to the north and south and fueled the occurrence of the cold war.

Friday, January 24, 2020

A Computerized World :: essays research papers fc

COMPUTERS A Computerized World Computers play an important role in this modern society. All people around the world are forced the â€Å"computer age† nowadays. Since the first computer was made in the late 1950s, which I heard that was came from the Chinese Abacus, the technology has developed extremely. Computers are everywhere and control a great deal of our living environment. More and more areas are being taken over by the computer. Not able to use a computer is a serious handicap with ramifications in all areas of life. Therefore, if people do not know computers or do not know how to use them it means that they are not prepared for the future. They will fall behind our advancing society. Computers have been applied to industry, agriculture, political affairs, economy, military, science and many other fields; it is becoming more and more important. It is reason why I feel; I need to know more about computers such as why computer is useful, history of computer, and Internet. COMPUTERS ARE USEFUL IN OUR LIFE Nowadays, no matter what the professions, a mainstay of the companies prefers to hire employees who basically need to know how to operate computers. â€Å"Knowledge of computers† has become a basic requirement in job descriptions. As computers are capable of handling large amounts of data in a very short time, they are well suited for word processing. For instance, medical officers use computer to record patients’ data for finding them easier and more conveniently. Banks also use computers to store information for consumers to know their account conveniently and orderly, etc. The government agencies are the one who use computers most because they need to record confidential data, for instance, the military, and the U.S Census Bureau, etc. The business also use computer password system in the companies that to avoid other companies’ stealing their business secrets. Therefore, the secret data will not let out to other countries or companies. Since a small diskette can contain much more data than a written page, and it takes less place, I think it will not be too long all the paper-archives are replaced by magnetic tapes and diskettes. It is possible to get the American telephone book on just one diskette. HISTORY OF COMPUTERS   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  About two hundred years before, the word â€Å"computer† started to appear in the dictionary. Some people even did not know what is a computer. However, most of the people today not just knowing what is a computer, but understand how to use a computer.

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Detailed Guidance Essay

The key to doing well on this task is detail. Several sections require that you analyze information. This requires that you read carefully, think deeply and show your insight that you gained from the information provided in the case study. A1. Utah Symphony Strengths and Weaknesses When picking out the strengths and weaknesses of symphony there isn ¿t a list to which you can refer. Rather, you will want to read the case study carefully and to use your insight to discover indications of strengths and weaknesses in the data provided in the case. Be sure to cite examples and to address all four required areas including: financial strengths/financial weaknesses & leadership strengths/leadership weaknesses of the symphony. The key will be to think deeply about the facts of the case and to provide insightful responses. When considering financial strengths and weaknesses some items that you might consider include: profitability, stability, capital availability, reliance on revenue streams, fundraising, endowment sizes, expenses structures, policies that effect finances etc. and anything that you believe would affect the finances of the firm in a positive or negative way. When considering leadership strengths and weaknesses your focus should be on the leaders of the symphony, Keith Lockhart. What his strengths that you can make a case would improve is effectiveness as a leader? What are his weaknesses that would lessen his effectiveness as leader? Another thing to consider would be if there are any vacant key positions that would influence the leadership of the organization. Be sure to expound upon each strength and weakness. For a hypothetical example; if I were to indicate that the opera had a profit I would further indicate whether this was a strength because it was significant or I could as easily support that it the profit was so small in relation to its expense structure that the level of profitability was actual a financial weakness.  Now that I had made a general claim I would bring in the numbers from the case study to support my claim and then move on to the next strength or weakness. The key will be to discuss each strength and weakness enough to establish that it is, in fact, a strength or a weakness. A1a. Steps for Utah Symphony Now you ¿ve provided some really good insight in your discussion about weaknesses for the symphony and in doing so you have identified a number of weaknesses. The evaluators will be looking to see that you ¿ve provide recommendations of key steps that Anne can take for each of the weaknesses that you identified in your discussion. Also, with regard to key steps you will want to identify specific actions that Anne can take. For examples if one of the weaknesses is poor fundraising you might suggest that Anne sets aside a period of time each week during which she can employ her fundraising skills to improve fundraising. The recommendations of steps that she can take can be common-sense, basic steps (nothing fancy) but that would be effective in dealing with the weaknesses. A2. Utah Opera Strengths and Weaknesses Review the case study carefully to find examples of the strengths and weaknesses in the financial and leadership aspects of the symphony. Be sure to cite examples and to address all four required areas including: financial strengths/financial weaknesses & leadership strengths/leadership weaknesses. The key will be to think deeply about the facts of the case and to provide insightful responses. When considering financial strengths and weaknesses some items that you might consider include: profitability, stability, capital, liquidity, revenue streams, fundraising, endowment sizes, expenses structures, policies that effect finances etc. When considering leadership strengths and weaknesses your focus should be on Anne Ewers. What are her leadership strengths? What are her strengths that you can make a case for would assist her ability to lead? What are her leadership weaknesses? Does she have any personal liabilities that would  weaken her ability to lead. Be sure to expound upon each strength and weakness. For a hypothetical example; if I were to indicate that the symphony had a profit I would further indicate whether this was a strength because it was significant or I could as easily support that it the profit was so small in relation to its expense structure that the level of profitability was actual a financial weakness. Now that I had made a general claim I would bring in the numbers from the case study to support my claim and then move on to the next strength or weakness. The key will be to discuss each strength and weakness enough to establish that it is, in fact, a strength or a weakness. A2a. Steps for Utah Opera Now you ¿ve provided some good insight in your discussion about weaknesses for the Opera and in doing so you have identified a number of weaknesses. The evaluators will be looking to see that you ¿ve provide recommendations of key steps that Anne can take for each of the weaknesses that you identified in your discussion. Also, with regard to key steps you will want to identify specific actions that Anne can take. For examples if one of the weaknesses is poor fundraising you might suggest that Anne sets aside a period of time each week during which she can employ her fundraising skills to improve fundraising. The recommendations of steps that she can take can be common-sense, basic steps (nothing fancy) but that would be effective in dealing with the weaknesses. A3. Scorecard Aspects Find and download the Balanced Scorecard document given to you in Task Stream. The balanced scorecard is not covered in your book. Look at the book from SkillPort  ¿ Performance Drivers: A Practical Guide to Using the Balanced Scorecard. This is where the template came from. Read chapter 1, 2 and 3 to best understand it.  ¿Compare the information in the current scorecards for each company to the cultures you can discern from the case study. Do you think the scorecards adequately address the strengths and weaknesses? Why or why not? B. Merged Company Balanced Scorecard (Create a Balanced Scorecard for the merged company using the strategic goals. These goals are given to you in the directions for the task (see information above the questions).  ¿Don ¿t just combine the symphony and opera goals, CSF ¿s and measurement.  ¿Use the strategic goals to develop a goal for each of the four aspects. Now, be creative, what should the critical success factors and measurements be?  ¿Make sure to create and include a vision statement and a business model statement (you can use the ones on the symphony and opera balanced scorecards as a model). When creating the goals for the individual sections of the balanced scorecard you will want to create goals that are specific to the section (finance, customer, internal etc.) but that, if achieved, would help the company to achieve the five first-year strategic goals that are identified at the top of the task. C. Merged Company Strengths and Weaknesses The key here is to analyze the company utilizing the balances scorecard as an analytical tool. In earlier sections you had to analyze strengths and weaknesses as you pull them out of the facts of a case study. However, now you have been introduced to a new analytical tool; the balanced scorecard and you will need to analyze each element of the balanced scorecard. You should analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the merged company addressing each section of the scorecard e.g. financial customer, internal process & learning and growth. D. Issues From reading the case study and after reading about change management in Chapter 18 of the Kreitner and Kinicki, discuss an issue in each of the 3 areas (finance, human resources, and customer satisfaction) then include good mitigating steps that Anne could take to prevent the problem.†¨Ã¢â‚¬ ¨D1. Mitigating Actions This section requires that you identify 3 actions that Anne can immediately take to mitigate the three issues you identified above. (You should provide one recommendation for each of the issues that you identified in part D.) You should not only identify, but should also  explain, exactly what Anne should do for each of the three recommendations that you provide. †¨E. In-Text Citations and References in APA Format Every reference that is listed on the Reference list should have been cited in-text in your response. If you did not cite something in-text it should be taken off of this reference list. However, at minimum you should cite the case study and the course textbook and there should be corresponding in-text citations within your response.