STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATIONS PROPOSAL ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
This assignment is divided into two parts with two separate grades. The first aspect of the assignment is a written proposal and the second is a briefing presentation. The more formal written proposal is an assignment for Module 7: Week 7 and the proposal briefing is an assignment for Module 8: Week 8. Please be sure you understand the difference between the two. You will use Discussion: Presentations of Recommendations in Module 8: Week 8 to brief the class the specifics of your written proposal.
Note: Assignment should meet the most current APA formats.
INSTRUCTIONS
Strategic Recommendations: Proposal Assignment
This is the culminating assignment for this course. Content developed for Discussions 1-7 will help with the collection of data and information that will be included in your strategic recommendations proposal. Prepare your Discussions so that maximum transfer of information may occur.
Strategic Recommendations: Proposal Presentation Assignment
This aspect of the assignment is incorporated into Discussion: Presentations of Recommendations. This Discussion is a 5–10-minute presentation that highlights your analysis and recommendations. View this assignment as your opportunity to brief the decision-makers of your recommendations utilizing a PowerPoint presentation. This assignment will be graded using the attached Narrated PowerPoint/ Discussion grading rubric.
The Strategic Recommendations Proposal is the culminating project for AVIA 314. This handout introduces the project and describes required assignment elements. A workflow chart is provided (Figure 1, on page 3) so you can better picture how various assignments and resources relate. The resources used for this assignment include this instructional handout and the provided written proposal template.
Project Introduction and Background
First, you should be familiar with the difference between a business proposal and a business plan. The business proposal is used to address a specific problem or opportunity within an organization. Proposals will typically be focused and abbreviated in content and heavy with supporting arguments and data. A business plan on the other hand is much more detailed. A business plan takes the business proposal and adds all of the specifics (costs, required equipment, timelines, facilities, personnel, etc.) necessary for a presentation to board members or investors. It is common for decision makers to ask for a proposal before a plan.
Second, strategic recommendations refer to specific recommendations that focus on improving operational effectiveness and/or efficiency. Effectiveness refers to the idea of goals and mission. How effective are current processes and procedures at meeting company goals? Efficiency refers to the idea of resources. How much of company time, talent, and treasures are being used to achieve specific outcomes? Strategic recommendations focus on improvements in these areas and may come from the creation of new profit centers or the overhaul of existing ones.
Assignment Elements
The proposal template provides additional instructions on assignment elements and layout. Again, feel free to use your creative rights when it comes to layout but the template is available for use. Your proposal must include:
1. Proposal Objectives. The Strategic Recommendations Proposal must begin with an executive summary and at least three proposal objectives you develop and address. These objectives should center on supporting your recommendation(s) for an area of improvement you have identified during your company research.
2. Company Mission and Goals (DB Forums 1 & 4). Connect your recommendation(s) to company goals and mission. Why should your recommendation be of interest to decision-makers? Craft these connections carefully.
3. Financial Analysis (DB Forum 3 & 5). If able connect recommendations to findings from the submitted financial statements. At minimum, provide a cost/benefit summary of your recommendation(s).
4. Supporting Arguments. Each objective must be addressed with appropriate assertions. All assertions must have supporting arguments. Arguments must be supported with appropriate data.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
Figure 1: Proposal and Presentation workflow recommendation
Discussion: Company Overview & History, narrated PowerPoint
Discussion: Marketing, narrated PowerPoint
Discussion: Accounting & Finance, narrated PowerPoint
Discussion: Human Resources, narrated PowerPoint
Discussion: SWOT Analysis, narrated PowerPoint
Discussion: Profit Centers, narrated PowerPoint
Discussion: The Business of Business, narrated PowerPoint