Organizational behavior (MGT)

The Report
The report will address the following topics:
 An in-depth study into the concepts and theories of the organizational behavior/issue itself
 The specific problem(s) faced by the organization (or organizations if doing Option 3)
 Evidence is there of the organization(s) implementation of specific programs to address the issue
 Evidence if the organization’s efforts were successful (or unsuccessful) in addressing the issue
 Your recommendations as to how the organization can initially address or modify its current program based on the one or more of the motivational theories examined n class

There will be three opportunities during the project for instructor input. Only the Project Proposal and Final Report will be graded. The remaining submissions will be strictly for instructor observation, commentary and possible directional support:
1. Proposal: Approval of the topic issue will be provided as well as comments regarding the purpose, Preliminary Background research relevancy and Methodology. The opportunity for resubmittal will be offered.
2. Project Report Work-in-Process (WIP): The work-in-process document will be reviewed approximately two weeks prior to the end of the term based on the initial project proposal. Typical questions: Is it on track with the problem? Relevancy of research? What is the depth of investigation into the organization(s) and how they did or are addressing the solutions? Relevancy and feasibility of any proposed student recommendations? A peer-review step may also be added one week out from final report submission.
3. Final Report: Similar to the WIP but also based on MLA style

Students will be assed based on their final report meeting the initial project proposal, depth of topic research, description of the organization’s problem and solution(s) and relevancy of these solutions as they pertain to specific motivational theorists and any determination if the organization is implementing or establishing a best-practices benchmark.

Approved Topics for Evaluation:
The purpose of your report is to produce a professional inquiry of the selected organizational topic and see how the concepts in this course are applied in practice. The project requires you to provide a thorough understanding and utilization of the literature beyond that in the textbook. Possible topics are as follows:

• Cross-cultural management issues
• Diversity management
• Work-family conflicts
• Women (minorities) in business and management (e.g., glass ceiling)
• Managing downsizing and layoffs
• Perceptions (e.g., different stereotypes)
• Attribution processes (e.g., effect on performance appraisal)
• Job related attitudes (e.g., professionalism, organizational commitment, job involvement)
• Decision making process (e.g., escalation of commitment)
• Change of Leadership
• Managing teams
• Group dynamics (e.g., Social loafing)
• Burnout
• Employee job satisfaction
• Motivational issues
• Telecommuting
• Creating a new culture
• Creating a culture change
• Creating an effective team organization
• How to motivate the new generation of workers
• Implementing a major structural change
• Organizational learning
• Organizational politics
• Technology and organization structure
• Workplace violence and aggression
• Competitive intelligence

Final Report
Independent of the context, the paper should cover, but not be limited to the following general issues. Adapt them creatively.

Introduction/Organization Description:
1. Thesis statement of the overall main points you will cover in your paper
2. The relevancy of this topic to organizational behavior and business.

Body:
Discussion of topic issues: in the workplace, citing research to support or challenge your position; new findings, recommendations for management; thorough analysis of the research. Incorporate your arguments for or against. Your position on the topic must be supported by research / primary source research.

Conclusion:
1. Review your main points, bringing it all together.
2. What new information did you learn by doing this research? Did it meet your proposal objective? Why or why not?
3. What did the Group learn from this analysis? What are the specific application guidelines for practitioners?

• All written assignments (project and tests) must be coherent and error-free.
• All citations and bibliographies for the project must be in accordance with the Modern Language Association (MLA).
• Survey instrument, interview questions must be attached at the end of the report.

Final Paper / Formal Presentation:

• It is expected that students will speak informally about the organization(s) they are researching at relevant times in class throughout the term.
• Final in MLA Format Typed. Sections: Final Proposal, Methodology (1 page) AND Report (15-20 pages).
• A working draft is due during Week 8/9 to verify sources through turnitin.com. Failure to upload paper into Blackboard Assignment link by the due date will result in automatic 10% reduction on the final submission.
• The written report is to be turned in on the day the presentations begin and uploaded into Blackboard Assignment link.