BUS 5910 Management Capstone

Final Project Assignment Guidelines

Assignment Overview
The final written assignment requires a substantive effort and is required to successfully pass this
course. The final written assignment will be a written paper which should be at least 15-pages in
length, exclusive of the reference page, or any title pages, and should be double-spaced. The paper
should cite at least ten sources independentof the course assigned textbooks and readings.

In this paper students will comprehensively discuss a real-world business problem based on an
organization the student either currently works for or has previously worked for. As part of this final
project, students will describe the company and background of that chosen organization (based on past
experience), and describe why that company was selected as part of the introduction. The second step will
be to write a problem statement based on the requirements, which will need instructor’s approval. The
problem statement is a critical piece that will help organize the paper for the following weeks.

The organizational problem selected will need to be based on a company that the student currently or
previously has been employed with. The problem will also incorporate a number of the topics covered by
the Master’s Program at the University ofthe People. In this problem students will also be required to
analyze and discuss various common issues that occur in organizations, demonstrating the ability to apply
knowledge acquired over the various MBA classes. In doing so, students should strive to introduce into the
discussion creative solutions and flexible-critical thinking. The final paper will be an accumulation of the
work throughout the course, where feedback from the instructor should be applied.

The requirements for the weekly assignments are listed below, as well as the final paper rubric.

In week 5 students are expected to schedule a day and time with the instructor for the video presentation.
The presentations can occur as early as week 5, with week 8 being the last week to present, and a valid
government issued ID must be presented during the live or video presentation by the student. The
requirements for the slide presentation are below as well.

(1) Identify the problem; create problem statement per guidelines.

(2) Root cause analysis, utilizing tools.
(3) Leadership analysis (required section).
(4) Alternatives, solutions, final recommendation and high-level implementation plan.
(5) Literature review based on topics selected from MBA capstone.
(6) Ethical leadership and law review (required section).
(7) Continue to work on Presentation, should have scheduled with instructor.
(8) Final paper due.

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 Week 1 Assignment Requirements

Week 1 – Problem Statement: This section should provide an introduction to the organization selectedfor
the final assignment. It should provide detailed background of the company, including why this problem
was selected. It should also provide a description of the problem situation in which the subject company
finds itself. There should be sufficient detail of the subject and its situation to provide the basis for
identifying the problem it faces. All problem statements chosen will need your instructor's approval, and
feedback from this assignment as provided by your instructor should be applied and demonstrated for
future assignments. The problem statement is a critical piece that will help organize the paper for the
following weeks. The problem statement should include text citations and a reference page to support
your statements.

• Introduction: The background of the company and why this was chosen should be provided as part
of the introduction, which should be 1-3 paragraphs.
• Ensure that the problem will be based on a real problem you have faced in an organization either
currently or from the past.
• The problem statement and analysis should incorporate at least 3 of the following:
o Improving productivity,
o responsiveness (the ability to act quickly and in a timely manner to something)
o quality,
o customer/client satisfaction,
o employee engagement
o Change management
o Adaptability
• The problem statement and subsequent analysis should also incorporate at least 2 of the
following, from the MBA program:
o Organizational Theory
o Human Resources
o Project/Program Management
o Finance/Accounting
o Operations Management,
o Globalization
Note that leadership/management role, as well as ethical impacts will be required sections for the paper
and will be required in addition to choosing 2 from the list above.
Finally, the problem should use what, where, when, how, why, who method (as described in Chapter 3 of
Root cause analysis, second edition: The core of problem solving and corrective action). For example, the
problem statement and introduction section should address the following questions:
• What is your main issue? Is it employee engagement? Is it high turnover? Is it losing customers
due to poor quality? Start with what your main issue is. Think about how your main identified issue
relates to either productivity, quality, customer/client issues, engagement, change management,
adaptability and identify three of these areas that are impacted by your main business issue.

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 • Where is this issue- is it in your entire organization, is it in one part of the organization? This can
be a geographical location, part of a process, defective production, gap in leadership, or aspect of
the organization that needs to change?
• When was the issue identified? Has this issue been the result of a recent change, or has it been an
issue for a long time? Was the issue a degradation of something over time (leadership, processes,
etc.)
• How much- This is the frequency or scale of the problem; including data or values to describe the
impact (cost) to the organization will be helpful. Is the impact in cost, or time lost? Production
hours? Loss of clients?
• Why – This is an additional requirement, not described in the text. Include explanation as to why
this issue is important? Describe why it is important and what the impact is on the organization,
which should tie into at least two of the aspects of the MBA program. Include here the two
aspects from the MBA program and how they will apply to this issue. You should have a sentence
included here that states “The problem (state problem here) will also be analyzed through the lens
of (organizational theory, human resources, etc.)

• Who is impacted by the issue and who is responsible for influencing or improving the issue (hint,
leadership should be included as one of the stakeholders here for most cases).

CRITERIA Level 5 Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 Weights

Definition of the Student provided Student provided Student clearly Some details to Little or no detail
problem sufficient detail to a paragraph or identified the real- describe what the on the real-world
describe the more dedicated to world problem, real-world problem problem; did not
background of the background, with background on the was and what work presently or
organization, why what the real- company, and why organization (past in past for
this problem was world problem is, the problem was or previous) it organization.
chosen, and the why the problem chosen. applies to but not
problem is based was chosen, with enough
on a real business- details and background, or
related problem references to references.
they have faced in support.
an organization
either they
currently work for
or have in the past
worked for.
15 14 12 10 8 15 %

Address three The problem Two or more Clearly identified 3 Included some but Did not include 3
organizational clearly addresses sentences organizational not all of the 3 of the common
issues at least three of describing 3 or issues with organizational organizational
the following more sufficient detail on issues and / or did issues with
common organizational how it applies to not have sufficient sufficient detail or
organizational issues and how the problem with detail or explanation in the
issues: Improving they apply to the at least one-two explanation as how problem statement
productivity, problem with sentences. each applies to the as to how it is part
responsiveness detail and problem. of the problem.
(the ability to act references.
quickly and in a
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 timely manner to
something),
quality,
customer/client
satisfaction,
employee
engagement,
adaptability, or
change
management.
25 23 20 18 15 25%

Elements from The problem The problem Clearly identified Only incorporated Did not
the MBA statement and statement and at least 2 of the 1 of the 2 of the incorporate at
program subsequent subsequent areas from the elements, and with least 2 of the
analysis analysis MBA program with little explanation elements from the
incorporates 2 or incorporates at at least one as to how it is tied MBA program.
more of the least 2 of the sentence on how it to the problem
following, from the following, from the will apply. statement.
MBA program: MBA program:
1. Organizational 1. Organizational
Theory Theory
2. Human 2. Human
Resources Resources
3. Project/Program 3. Project/Program
Management Management
4. 4.
Finance/Accountin Finance/Accountin
g g
5. Operations 5. Operations
Management 6. Management 6.
Globalization Globalization
In addition, how Sufficient detail is
the overall included in
problem is related describing how the
to these areas problem is related
from the MBA to the MBA
program is clearly program.
identified and
described.
25 22 20 18 16 25%

Answers specific Problem Addresses what, Addresses what, Did not address 1- 2 or more of the
questions addresses what, who, when, where, who, when, where, 2 of the required required elements
who, when, where, why, how much, why, how much, elements; missing. Significant
why, how much and who with and who with insufficient details detail, support for
and who clearly sufficient detail, some detail; more and / or lack of arguments is
with significant citations and detail or citations citations. lacking.
detail, citations, references. would have made
and references. arguments
stronger.

25 22 20 18 16 25%

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Clarity and Posting is polished Posting is polished Posting is Posting has several Posting has
Mechanics and generally free but may contain adequate but may errors in numerous errors in
of errors in minor errors in contain some mechanics, mechanics, usage,
mechanics, mechanics, errors in spelling, usage, spelling, and
spelling, usage, spelling, usage, mechanics, and/or sentence sentence structure.
and sentence and sentence spelling, usage, structure Errors interfere
throughout,
structure. structure. and sentence with readability.
making some parts
structure but
difficult to
errors do not understand or
interfere with appear
understanding. incomplete.

10 9 8 6 5 10%

Total possible 100 90 80 70 60 100%

Week 1 Problem statement example:

Weeks 1, 2, and 4 require you to use problem solving tools that you will be learning throughout the
course to further develop your analysis. These tools and steps are based on the problem solving process
as described in week 1, and an overview is in the below link:

Newton, P. & Bristoll, H. (n.d.). Top 5 Problem Solving Tools: Six Step Problem Solving Process. Accessed
from
https://www.uapb.edu/sites/www/Uploads/Assessment/webinar/session%203/NewFolder/6%20Step%20P
roblem%20Solving%20Process.pdf

Example of a good problem statement:

The “what”: CVS Caremark is a large health care organization that recently has lost several
client contracts. One recent major contract worth $40 billion was lost to its major competitor, and
now another contract worth $500 million was lost (Piefer, 2023). The reasons behind these losses are
related to the overall quality of their services, their ability to adapt and find ways to offer less
expensive options, and the lack of satisfying client needs. This is evidenced by previous
investigations by the Federal Trade Commission, complaints from labor unions that CVS stocks
expired products and violated privacy laws, lawsuits against CVS for mishandling of Medicare, and
statements from employees regarding the quality of prescription handling (Schladen, 2023; Office
of Public Affairs, US Department of Justice, 2013).

Where and When This is an issue that is occurring from the very top of the organization with
leadership, impacting all aspects of the organization and has been an issue that has been occurring
for many years, with increasing reports of investigations and complaints against CVS. How much
The loss of clients has resulted in billions of dollars in lost revenue, as well as the stock of CVS
continuing to be negatively impacted (Pifer, 2023). Why This issue, in addition to being an issue in
which the leadership of the organization has a role, is also driven by poor operations management.
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This problem will be analyzed through the lens of operations management and human resources, to
address the lack of proper quality controls and training that must be in place to ensure that privacy
breaches and incorrect claim adjustments do not occur (Pifer, 2023). The training and development
of front-line leaders throughout the organization should also be discussed, which is a role involving
human resources, to ensure prevention in the future. Quality controls and proper training are
essential in building trust with consumers, ensuring reliable products, and reducing costs
(Simplilearn, 2023). Who In some cases these clients have decided to take their services elsewhere
as a result of these issues (Pifer, 2023). In addition, the employees are also impacted and may also
help improve and identify the issues and solutions if involved sooner, and finally the shareholders
are also impacted by losses of declining profit influence on shareholder value.

Reference:
• Office of Public Affairs, US Department of Justice. (2013, December 2). CVS’ Caremark will pay
$4.25 million for allegedly denying Medicaid claims for reimbursement of prescription drug costs.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/cvs-caremark-will-pay-425-million-allegedly-denying-medicaid-
claims-reimbursement
• Pifer, R. (2023, August 17). Blue shield of California drops CVS Caremark in pharmacy benefit
overhaul. HEALTHCAREDIVE. https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/cvs-caremark-blue-shield-
california-pbm-amazon-mark-
cuban/691165/#:~:text=CVS%20Caremark%20controls%20roughly%20a,%2440%20billion%20in%2
0pharmacy%20spend
• Schladen, M. (2023, July 7). “Corners are cut to dispense prescriptions,” CVS employee tells Ohio
Board of Pharmacy. Ohio Capital Journal. https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/07/07/corners-are-
cut-to-dispense-prescriptions-cvs-employee-tells-ohio-board-of-pharmacy/
• Simplilearn. (2023, August 29). What is quality control: Definition, benefits, examples, and more.
https://www.simplilearn.com/what-is-quality-control-
article#:~:text=Quality%20control%20is%20important%20to,live%20up%20to%20the%20standard
s.

Week 2 Assignment Requirements

Week 2: The root cause analysis section will flow direction from the problem statement section. This
section of the paper should identify and provide analysis of the root cause of the organization’s problem.
• Potential root causes for the overall issue being discussed,
• How the root causes are related to 3 of the organizational issues that should have been included in
your problem statement from week 1:
o (Improving productivity, responsiveness (the ability to act quickly and in a timely manner
to something) quality, customer/client satisfaction, employee engagement, Change
management and Adaptability).
• How the root causes relate to 2 of the following (also should be in your problem statement):
(Organizational Theory, Human Resources, Project/Program Management, Finance/Accounting,
Operations Management, Globalization).
• Should also include discussion of how the root causes were determined (what tools were used,
based on this week's readings to determine the root cause?) Include details about the tools and
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 the process used.
• Root causes section should be related to the problem statement and should be connected to all
elements of the problem statement with a logic flow.

CRITERIA Level 5 Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 Weights

Discussion on root Student provided Student provided Student Student provided Little or no detail
causes that logically 5 or more 3 to 5 sentences provided at least few details on the causes for
flows from the problem sentences with with adequate 3 to 5 sentences regarding the main
statement. details and detail describing discussing root possible root problem with
citations the root causes causes for the cause for the little or no
outlining root of the main issue, main problem, main issue. Not research to
causes for the with citations. It with some enough depth or support.
main issue being relates back to citations. references to
discussed in the the main issue support
problem discussed in statements, not a
statement. problem logical flow from
statement. problem
statement to root
cause.

25 23 20 18 16 25%

Root causes are Student provided Student clearly Student clearly Student included Did not include 3
identified for the 3 two or more identified 3 identified 3 some but not all of the common
organizational issues sentences organizational organizational of the 3 organizational
and the 2 areas from the describing 3 or issues. Student issues with some organizational issues with
capstone more included detail detail as to issues and / or sufficient detail
organizational and references. possible root did not have or explanation in
issues, possible More discussion causes, sufficient detail to how it is part
root causes on how they connecting to the for each. Not a of the problem
connecting them connected to the overall problem. logical flow from and what the
to the overall problem would Some references. the problem root causes are.
problem with have added to statement.
detail and this section.
references.

25 22 20 18 16 25%

Details or example of Student included Student included Student included Not enough Did not include
the tool used to one or more of one or more of the tool used discussion on the tool that was
determine the root the root cause the root cause with sufficient how the tool was used or how it
cause included. tools used in the tools. Good detail detail. More used, no example was applied. No
process, overall, depth and of one of the detail or vague
described the additional analysis tools, not enough detail
process in detail discussion on the describing the in-depth analysis surrounding one
with appropriate process and how tool and how it using a root of the tools
sources. the tool was used was used would cause analysis themselves, with
would have have added to tool. Little or no little or no in text
added to this this section. references or citations.
section. citations.

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 25 22 20 18 15 25%

Application of feedback Feedback from Feedback from Some feedback Did not apply Did not include 15%
from the problem week 1 if week 1 if applied but work feedback on the the problem
statement submitted in applicable was applicable was still needed on problem statement
week 1 applied for the mostly applied, the problem statement section.
submission. still some statement section.
opportunity for section.
improvement.

15 14 12 10 8

. Clarity and Mechanics Posting is Posting is Posting is good Posting is Posting has 10%
polished and generally free of overall but may adequate but numerous errors
generally free of mechanical contained errors may contain in mechanics,
errors in errors, may in mechanics, some errors in usage, spelling,
mechanics, contain a few spelling, usage, mechanics, and sentence
spelling, usage, minor errors in and sentence spelling, usage, structure. Errors
and sentence spelling, usage or structure. and sentence interfere with
structure. sentence structure but readability.
structure. errors do not
interfere with
understanding.

10 9 8 6 5 100%

Week 2 Root cause tool example: Example of 5 why tool: Using the research from week 1, and the
information acquired to define a clear problem statement, the root causes can be identified.

Here is an example of a root cause using the 5 Why tool for the example using the problem statement
from week 1:

Start with the over-arching problem:

CVS Caremark is a large health care organization that recently lost several client contracts, resulting in
billions of dollars in losses (Piefer, 2023).

1st why: Caremark has lost contracts due to the lack of quality standards (Piefer, 2023).

2nd why: Lack of proper quality standards, processes, and ethical standards implemented
throughout the company (Piefer, 2023).

3rd why: The lack of quality/process/ethical standards is a direct result of ineffective training
programs and controls (Simplilearn, 2023).

4th why: the lack of training to address issues is a gap not being addressed by human resources,
and operations management.

5th: The reason these issues have not been addressed can be attributed to a lack of leadership,
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with senior leaders in the company not identifying the need to prioritize these trainings and controls.

Reference:
• Pifer, R. (2023, August 17). Blue shield of California drops CVS Caremark in pharmacy benefit
overhaul. HEALTHCAREDIVE. https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/cvs-caremark-blue-shield-
california-pbm-amazon-mark-
cuban/691165/#:~:text=CVS%20Caremark%20controls%20roughly%20a,%2440%20billion%20in%2
0pharmacy%20spend
• Simplilearn. (2023, August 29). What is quality control: Definition, benefits, examples, and more.
https://www.simplilearn.com/what-is-quality-control-
article#:~:text=Quality%20control%20is%20important%20to,live%20up%20to%20the%20standard
s.

Note that there are multiple ways to do a root cause analysis, as identified in the readings, a fishbone
analysis, paretos, affinity diagram or logic tree are also useful tools for conducting a root cause analysis.

This link has more examples (as pictured below) as well as an ‘editable’ diagram that you can use to map
out your own five why:

How to use 5 Whys Tree Diagram for Root Cause Analysis? (visual-paradigm.com)

(Visual Paradigm Online, 2023).

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 Visual Paradigm Online. (2023). How to use 5 Whys Tree Diagram for Root Cause Analysis?
https://online.visual-paradigm.com/knowledge/root-cause-analysis/how-to-use-five-whys-tree-diagram/

Week 3 Assignment Requirements

Week 3 – The week 3 assignment will include the requirements from week 1 and week 2 (introduction,
the problem statement, and root cause analysis) with the addition of the leadership/management
analysis section.

A separate section of the paper for this week's submission should discuss:
• An analysis of the leadership/management role, and whether it was effective and what
opportunities or not (and why, with research on leadership to support).
o This section should be at least 3 paragraphs (if not more) and should address the
leadership style as well as tie in other organizational theory and research when discussing
what was effective about the leader(s) and what was not effective.
o The CEO of the company can be described, or multiple leaders/levels of management can
be discussed, or both.

CRITERIA Level 5 Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 Weights

Problem statement Student used the Student used the Student used the Student used the Student did not 25%
requirements. provided provided provided template, but utilize template
template and template and template, and failed to apply provided in week
applied feedback applied feedback addressed the feedback from 1. Did not apply
from the from the elements the instructor, or feedback
instructor. instructor. required for the is missing provided by
Student did an Student provided problem sufficient detail or instructor. Is
excellent job a good statement. did not include all missing multiple
providing robust description of the Provided the requirements requirements
description of the company, and the sufficient detail for organizational from
company, and the problem, on the company issues and 2 organizational
problem, including all background. The topics from MBA issues and 2
including all requirements for problem program. topics from MBA
requirements for the problem statement is capstone.
the problem statement. missing some
statement and Problem minor
connecting them statement could requirements.
together. use more refining, The student may
connecting not have
together all implemented all
elements. the feedback or
suggestions from
the instructor but
has shown
improvement

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 throughout.

25 23 20 18 16

Elements of the The root cause Root cause The root cause Included some This section is 25%
problem statement section related section relates section relates but not all of the missing multiple
back to the back to the back to the requirements for parts of the
problem problem problem the root cause, or requirements.
statement in all statement. Main statement did not have Feedback from
aspects with issue, 3 overall. Provided sufficient detail previous weeks
detail and depth. organizational some detail on for each. There not implemented.
It described the issues and at least required sections. isn’t a logical flow
main issue, 3 2 from the MBA May be missing from the problem
organizational are included. some feedback statement. The
issues, and at More details in still or needing tool used in
least 2 of the some of these additional detail discovering the
areas from the areas, and how or citations in this root cause is
MBA and how they tie back to section. There is a explained. Some
they tie back to the problem logical flow. The feedback from
the problem statement could tool used in previous weeks
statement. have been added discovering the not implemented.
Feedback from to improve this root cause is also
previous weeks section. Feedback explained.
from instructor from instructor
has been implemented;
implemented. root cause tool
The tool used in included and
discovering the explained.
root cause is also
explained with
detail and
citations.

25 22 20 18 15

Leadership section Provided an in- Provided Described the Not enough Did not include 25%
depth analysis of sufficient analysis role of leadership discussion on the all the required
the role of overall of the with adequate overall impact of sections. No
leadership with leadership detail. Discussed leadership role. detail or vague
citations and section. the effectiveness Little or no detail around
references to Additional of leadership in references or what leadership
support references to solving the citations. The did to solve the
statements. The support problem at hand, effectiveness of problem, and if it
student discussed statements and and used how leadership was successful or
the effectiveness more detail in research and solved the not and why. Not
of leadership in discussing organizational problem was not enough detail
solving the organizational theory as discussed in regarding what
problem at hand, theory would appropriate. with enough detail; was effective or
and used have added to the some detail, little analysis on not effective for
research and section. some citations. what was the chosen
organizational effective or not company’s
theory as effective about leadership, with
appropriate. the leadership in little or no in text

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 this example. citations.

25 22 20 18 16

Overall, Paper is well Paper is Paper has some Paper Errors in 10%
Mechanics/Professiona organized, organized, with a errors in writing has multiple mechanics
lism contains no few minor errors or spelling, but errors in spelling throughout, lack
writing and in writing or well organized. or writing or lack of organization,
spelling errors, spelling. Is overall of organization as spelling errors;
and is fully consistent with required per writing is not
consistent with graduate level rubric. consistent with
graduate level writing as graduate level
writing style as expected and writing.
expected and required for the
required for the assignment.
assignment.

10 9 8 6 5

APA styling, in text Citations included Citations included Some citations Lacking citations Little or no APA 15%
citations, references throughout; throughout; and reference or references, or styling, in text
included. reference page minor errors on page with minor major errors to citations and/or
included APA reference page or errors. grammar or APA. references
styling correct. in text citations. present.

15 14 12 10 8

100 90 80 70 60 100%

Week 4 Assignment Requirements

Week 4 Alternatives/Solutions: In this assignment, you will acquire the skills to use the problem-
solving process, provide alternatives, solutions, and implementation plans.

Review chapters 8 and 9 from ‘Root cause analysis, second edition: The core of problem solving and
corrective action’ for information on how to identify and select alternatives and create an implementation
plan.

1. Re-state the problem statement with any feedback from the instructor implemented.
2. Have 1-2 paragraphs connecting the problem and the root cause section to these alternatives (the
problem/cause should logically flow and be directly related to the alternatives being presented.
3. Present at least 2-3 alternative solutions to the problem.
4. Evaluate each alternative using one of the methods outlined in Chapter 8 of Root cause analysis,
by Duke such as decision table, payoff matrix, paired comparison, or Debono’s thinking hats. The
readings for this week also have an additional source describing a decision matrix (or table) in
more detail should you wish to use this approach. Include this decision making method evaluation
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 in your paper. This should include in-text citations and research.
5. Provide a final recommendation in 1-2 paragraphs that describes which alternative(s) you choose
for the solution and why it was chosen.
6. Provide a high-level implementation plan stating what steps should be taken to implement these
solutions.

CRITERIA Level 5 Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 Weights

Restatement of the Student used Student used Student used Student used Student did not
problem and template from template from template, has the template. Did not utilize template
cause(s) discussed week1, applied week 1, applied elements required apply feedback provided in week
earlier feedback from feedback from for the problem from instructor, or 1, or did not apply
instructor. Student instructor with statement to is missing feedback provided
did an excellent minor areas still address. May not sufficient detail or by instructor, or
job providing needing have implemented is still missing did not include 2
robust description improvement. all feedback or requirements on or more the
of the company, Description of the suggestions from the problem problem
and the problem, company is instructor, but did statement. statement
including all included, and show requirements with
requirements for requirements for improvement sufficient detail
the problem problem throughout. from the list
statement and statement have Problem below: (company
connecting them been met. statement needs background, real
together. Additional detail to be further world problem
connecting the refined to have a with not enough
elements of the logical flow of detail, did not
problem may be what the problem work presently or
needed still. is, and properly in past for
connecting the organization, did
elements of the not include 3 of
problem the common
statement organizational
together with issues; did not
enough detail. incorporate at
least 2 of the
elements from the
MBA program).
15 13 12 10 8 15%

Narrative on Student has a Student has Student has some Little or no detail Missing this
alternative solutions detailed narrative sufficiently detail and connecting the section, or largely
to the problem and that logically described the explanation of the problem/cause incomplete.
logically connects connects the problem and how problem/cause statement to the Lacking any
the problem/cause problem it relates to the and how it is alternatives. Lack explanation of
to the alternatives statement, with root causes. The related to the of a logical flow how
being suggested the root cause. alternatives have a alternatives. throughout the problem/cause is
The alternatives logical flow and Additional detail paper. related to the
flow logically from there is sufficient describing how alternatives.
those sections. detail describing the sections are
how the connected are
alternatives are needed.
related.

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 15 13 12 10 8 15%

Analysis and Detailed analysis Sufficient detail of Adequate detail Lack of detail on Lack of
evaluation of each of 2-3 alternatives at least 2-3 of at least 2-3 alternatives. Not alternatives, little
alternative. with pros and cons alternatives. alternatives. enough analysis or no detail or
of each. Analysis Includes pros and Includes pros and for the pros/cons citations in this
included in text cons, alternatives cons, alternatives of each, and section. No logical
citations and make sense based make sense based alternatives are flow or relation to
depth. on problem on problem not clearly related the problem.
Alternatives make statement. statement. More to the problems
sense based on detail in this outlined.
problem section is needed.
statement.

25 23 20 18 16 25%

Final 1-2 detailed . 1-2 paragraphs Short final Lack of detail Little or no detail
recommendation paragraphs with sufficient recommendation explaining which for this section
outlining which detail describing section. More alternatives were explaining what
alternative(s) are what alternative detail describing chosen and why. the final
chosen as the were chosen. what alternative Lack of a logical recommendations
solution and why. More detail on were chosen and flow. are and why.
This section made why would have why would have
logical sense made this better. made this better.
based on the There is a logical There is a logical
alternatives flow. flow.
provided, and
problems outlined

15 14 12 11 10 15%

Implementation High level Implementation Implementation Lack of details on Section largely

plan on what steps implementation plan included with plan included, implementation missing
should be taken plan included with sufficient detail although more plan, lack of appropriate
details, and in-text and some in text detail/research support for amount of detail
citations to citations. Clearly would have made statements. Needs for the
support relates to the this section better. to clearly related implementation
statements. Well solutions being Clearly relates to back to solution plan.
thought out and recommended. the solution being outlined.
clearly relates to Minor recommended.
the solution being improvements
recommended. needed in this
section.
20 18 16 15 14 20%

Overall, Posting is polished Posting has a May contain Contain some Posting has
Mechanics/Professi and generally free few minor errors minor errors in errors in numerous errors
onalism: of errors in in mechanics, or mechanics, mechanics, in mechanics,
mechanics, spelling, usage or spelling, usage, spelling, usage, usage, spelling,
spelling, usage, sentence and sentence and sentence and sentence
and sentence structure, is structure. structure. structure. Errors
structure. overall free of interfere with
errors. readability

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 5 4.5 4 3 2 5%

APA Style and In text citations In text citations Some in text A few in text Little or no in text
Format: Follows the included included. citations and citations and citations or 5%
APA style (i.e., throughout. References references, minor research. Mistakes research.
scholarly tone, References are included; minor issues with APA in the APA styling.
paraphrasing, correctly listed APA errors with styling.
citations, sources, using APA style. citations or
reference and title APA style references.
pages, line-spacing, throughout paper
section/paragraph is correct.
headings,
indentations, and
alignment of tables
and figures)
accurately and
consistently
throughout the
paper.

5 4.5 4 3 2 5%

Total points 100 90 80 70 60 100%

Week 4 decision matrix example: This link has a great example of how to build a decision matrix, set
the criteria/weighting, and score appropriately to effectively choose the correct alternative.

https://asq.org/quality-resources/decision-matrix

Using the decision matrix and proposed solutions to the problem identified in our week 1 example, here
is an example of what a decision matrix might look like that should be included as part of week 4 (note
that there are other tools that can be used for this part of the analysis). Any tool/criteria should include
description as to why that tool is elected, and what the different criteria means.

Week 5 Assignment Requirements

Week 5 Literature Review: For this assignment, write a literature review suitable for integrating into
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your final paper. The literature review research will help build the foundation for your final paper. This
should be a minimum of 2 to 3 pages (can be longer) double spaced, with detailed analysis applying what
you have learned from the MBA program.

The literature review is collecting and analyzing what is known about the problem as part of the problem-
solving process. This research will help provide a foundation and further insight to understand why this
problem in the organization is occurring, which should lead to your solutions section. Make sure that your
literature review is several pages of detailed writing, expanding upon the specific topics that you are
relating to the MBA program (as identified in your problem statement). It should NOT just be a list of
references. It is also NOT just a description of what various sources are about. If operations management,
marketing, and ethics are your main themes, those should be called out as part of the problem statement,
and then you would have sections in the literature review describing what operations management,
marketing, and ethics are, how relate in this instance. The topics that you are discussing in the MBA
program (in this example operations management, marketing, and ethics) should relate back to the
organizational issues identified in your problem statement (productivity, quality, adaptability, engagement,
and so on). If there is a gap in quality and engagement, how that is related to operations management or
ethics should be included as part of the literature review analysis.

Refer to ‘Literature review: conducting and writing’ for example on literature reviews.
Sample Literature Reviews - Literature Review: Conducting & Writing - LibGuides at University of West
Florida Libraries (uwf.edu)

Please reference the problem statement example provided under 1 week above. In reviewing this
example topics that could be addressed in the literature review for this would be operations
management and human resources. Also, the organizational issues identified as part of the problem were
quality, affordability, and unhappy clients. As part of the operations management discussion, we would
want to write about the lack of proper quality controls. As part of this discussion for this example we might
also include what is wrong with the current quality controls now, and what types of other quality
processes are available based on research. That might include six sigma, total quality management,
standardization of processes, including companywide quality expectations. Discussion of what those things
are, and how they improve quality.

The second part of the literature review would discuss human resources, and the responsibility of HRM to
have proper training to ensure that privacy breaches do not occur. What training for front line leaders
throughout the organization might look like based on research, and the importance of supporting front line
leaders as well as having consistent policies and procedures in place. The literature review should also
have a paragraph that addresses the organizational issues from the problem statement and how they
related to these topics (operations management and human resources). For this example, there would be
discussion that ties together how improved quality and training results in lower costs, as well as happier
customers (with research to support that as well). Collecting and analyzing this research, to fully explore
and discuss the problem, will help strengthen the alternatives and solutions section which will come
afterwards. This is just an example of what kind of research or topics might flow from the problem
statement provided in this example. Your problem statement will be unique, and the topics from the MBA
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 capstone you choose to discuss for this section, and how they relate to the problem at your company will
be unique as well.

Office of Public Affairs, US Department of Justice. (2013, December 2). CVS’ Caremark will pay $4.25
million for allegedly denying Medicaid claims for reimbursement of prescription drug costs.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/cvs-caremark-will-pay-425-million-allegedly-denying-medicaid-claims-
reimbursement

Pifer, R. (2023, August 17). Blue shield of California drops CVS Caremark in pharmacy benefit overhaul.
HEALTHCAREDIVE. https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/cvs-caremark-blue-shield-california-pbm-
amazon-mark-
cuban/691165/#:~:text=CVS%20Caremark%20controls%20roughly%20a,%2440%20billion%20in%20pharm
acy%20spend

Schladen, M. (2023, July 7). “Corners are cut to dispense prescriptions,” CVS employee tells Ohio Board of
Pharmacy. Ohio Capital Journal. https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/07/07/corners-are-cut-to-dispense-
prescriptions-cvs-employee-tells-ohio-board-of-pharmacy/

Simplilearn. (2023, August 29). What is quality control: Definition, benefits, examples, and more.
https://www.simplilearn.com/what-is-quality-control-
article#:~:text=Quality%20control%20is%20important%20to,live%20up%20to%20the%20standards.

Assignment Activity Rubric: BUS 5910_PA_U5_V1

CRITERIA Level 5 Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 Weight

s
Literature review is at Student included Student has Student has Less than Little or no detail 70
least 2 to 3 pages. at least 2-3 minimum of 2 minimum of 2 required pages. in this section, or
Student has described pages, includes a pages in this pages in this Lack of in-depth section is
with detail and research detailed analysis section. Sufficient section. detail or analysis completely
the two topics from the with multiple details and Adequate details on how the topics missing. Section
MBA program as references and in references to and references to from the MBA is not related to
identified in the problem text citations to support support capstone relate the topics from
statement. support statements. statements. to the problem the MBA
statements. Good Consistent flow Consistent flow statement. Lacks program, does
analysis of the through paper through paper, consistency or not relate back to
topics from the and relates the more research to flow, and the problem
MBA capstone as topics from the support research to statement, or has
they relate to the MBA program to statements support little research
problem, with a the problem would add to this statements. included.
consistent flow statement. More section.
throughout the analysis of how
paper. problem relates
to areas from the
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 capstone would
add to the
section.
70 65 58 54 48 70%

Literature review Student tied in Student has Student has some Little detail Lack of detail, 20
includes discussion of the sufficient detail detail regarding connecting the depth, analysis
how the organizational organizational regarding the the organizational relating the
issues identified from issues and how organizational organizational issues from the organizational
the problem statement they are related issues, and how issues, and how problem issues and the
relate to the topics from to the topics they are related they are related statement to the relationship to
the MBA program. discussed in the to the MBA to the MBA MBA topics the topics
literature review topics from the topics from the described in the identified.
(from the MBA problem problem literature review.
program) statement. statement. More
detail would have
added to this
section.

20 16 14 10 8 20%

Overall Posting is Posting has a May contain Contains some Posting has 5%
mechanics/Professionali polished and few minor errors minor errors in errors in numerous errors
sm: Paper is well generally free of in mechanics, or mechanics, mechanics, in mechanics,
organized, contains no errors in spelling, usage or spelling, usage, spelling, usage, usage, spelling,
writing and spelling mechanics, sentence and sentence and sentence and sentence
errors, and is fully spelling, usage, structure, is structure. structure. structure. Errors
consistent with and sentence overall free of interfere with
graduate-level writing structure. errors. readability
style as expected and
required for the
assignment.
5 4.5 4 3 2

APA Style and Format: In text citations In text citations Some in text A few in text Little or no in
Follows the APA style included included. citations and citations and text citations or 5%
(i.e., scholarly tone, throughout. References references, minor research. research.
included; minor issues with APA Mistakes in the
paraphrasing, citations, References are
APA errors with styling. APA styling.
sources, reference and correctly listed citations or
title pages, line-spacing, using APA style. references.
section/paragraph APA style
headings, indentations, throughout paper
and alignment of tables is correct.
and figures) accurately
and consistently
throughout the paper.

5 4.5 4 3 2

Total points possible 100 90 80 70 60 100

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 Week 6 Assignment Requirements

Week 6: This assignment will include one new section related to ethics and law and should include all
previous sections with feedback implemented that has been completed up until this point. This includes
the introduction/background, problem statement, root cause analysis, leadership analysis section,
literature review, alternatives/solutions section, high level implementation plan.

The ethics and law section should include:

1. Analysis of your problem utilizing an ethics and law framework.

2. Discuss what opportunities that the organization or leader had from an ethical standpoint, or if the
organization has a strong ethical framework, include discussion what makes it a strong ethical
corporation to work for.

3. There should be discussion of ethical leadership, risks or liabilities the organization has in terms of
laws,

a. how they mitigate these risks,

b. what the policies and procedures say, and

c. what the code of conduct is for the organization.

4. If there is not a code of conduct, make a recommendation as to what one should be.

Be sure to include research references and in-text citations to support your discussion. This discussion
should be at least one page (more is allowed).

Use APA citations and references if you use ideas from the readings or other sources.

Assignment Activity Rubric: BUS 5910_PA_U6_V1

CRITERIA Level 5 Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 Weights

Provided a Student used Student used Student used Student used Student did not 20
restatement of the template from template, has the template, has the template. Did not utilize template
problem and root week1, applied elements required elements required apply feedback provided in week 1,
cause(s) discussed in feedback from for the problem for the problem from instructor or or did not apply
Week 3’s assignment instructor. statement to statement to is missing feedback provided
and feedback has been Student did an address. May not address. May not sufficient detail or by instructor, or
applied. excellent job have have is still missing did not include 2 or
providing robust implemented all implemented all requirements on more the problem
description of the feedback or feedback or the problem statement
company, and the suggestions from suggestions from statement. requirements with
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 problem, instructor but did instructor but did sufficient detail
including all show show from the list below:
requirements for improvement improvement (company
the problem throughout. throughout. background, real
statement and Problem Problem world problem
connecting them statement has statement needs with not enough
together. logical flow to be further detail, did not work
connecting all refined to have a presently or in past
elements together logical flow of for organization,
what the problem did not include 3 of
is, and properly the common
connecting the organizational
elements of the issues; did not
problem incorporate at least
statement 2 of the elements
together with from the MBA
enough detail. program).
20 18 16 14 13
Leadership section: In depth analysis Leadership Leadership Not enough Did not include all 15
This section of the of the leadership described with described with discussion on how the required
paper should analyse with citations and sufficient detail. adequate detail. the overall sections. No detail
the role of leadership in references to Leadership styles Leadership styles impacts of or vague detail
the company. Multiple support discussed, impacts discussed, impacts leadership. Little around leadership
levels may be statements. on on or no references styles and impacts
addressed. Discussion Leadership styles employees/organi employees/organi or citations. The on the
on leadership style, discussed, impacts zation, and zation, and leadership styles organization; little
impacts on employees on discussion of discussion of were not or no detail
and organization employees/organi effectiveness of effectiveness of discussed in regarding what was
should be included. zation, and leadership leadership enough detail; effective or not
Analysis of discussion of included with included with little analysis on effective for the
effectiveness of effectiveness of sufficient detail, some detail, some what was chosen company’s
leadership included. leadership some citations. citations. effective or not leadership, with
included. effective about little or no in text
the leadership in citations.
this example.
15 14 12 10 8
Literature review is at Student met Student had Less than Less than Little or no detail 20
least 3 pages. Student required 3 pages minimum of 3 required pages in required pages. in this section, or
has described with or more, included pages in this this section. Some Lack of in-depth section is
detail and research the a detailed analysis section. Sufficient details and detail or analysis completely
two topics from the with multiple details and references to on how the topics missing. Section is
MBA program as references and in references to support from the MBA not related to the
identified in the text citations to support statements. capstone relate to topics from the
problem statement. support statements. Requires the problem MBA program,
Feedback has been statements. Good Consistent flow additional details statement. Lacks does not relate
applied from previous analysis of the through paper and citations. consistency or back to the
week. topics from the and relates the Consistent flow flow, and research problem
MBA capstone as topics from the through paper to support statement, or has
they relate to the MBA program to and relates the statements. little research
problem, with a the problem topics from the included.
consistent flow statement. Minor MBA program to
throughout the areas for the problem
paper. improvement statement.
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 identified in this
section.
20 18 17 15 13
Provided a narrative Student has a Student had Student has some Little or no detail Missing this 20
that states alternative detailed narrative sufficiently detail and connecting the section, or largely
solutions to the that logically detailed narrative explanation of the problem/cause incomplete.
problem and logically connects the that logically problem/cause statement to the Lacking any
connects the problem connects the and how it is alternatives. Lack explanation of how
problem/cause to the statement, with problem related to the of a logical flow problem/cause is
alternatives being the root cause. statement, with alternatives. throughout the related to the
suggested. Analysis of The alternatives the root cause. There is a logical paper. Lack of alternatives. May
each alternative flow logically from The alternatives flow. There is detailed be missing
included, final those sections. flow logically from sufficient analysis alternatives, final alternatives,
recommendation, and Analysis of each those sections. of each recommendation, implementation
high-level alternative Analysis of each alternatives, final or high-level plan or final
implementation plan. included, final alternative recommendation implementation recommendation.
recommendation, included, final and a high level plan.
and high-level recommendation, implementation
implementation and high-level plan.
plan. implementation
plan.

20 18 16 14 12

Ethical analysis section Student had a Student had Student has some Little or no detail Missing this 20%
discusses ethical detailed narrative sufficiently detail and discussing the section, or largely
leadership, that discussed in detailed narrative explanation opportunities incomplete.
opportunities for the detail the describing the regarding from an ethical Lacking analysis of
organization in regards opportunities of opportunities of opportunities standpoint or the current
to ethics and law, and the organization the organization, from an ethical risks from a law organization. Lack
discussion of any risks as well as any including research standpoint. Some perspective. Little of research to
the organization has positive aspects in to support analysis from a or no research to support
from a law perspective. regards to ethics statements. There leadership and support statements.
and law. Includes is sufficient organizational statements.
research to analysis from a perspective.
support leadership and
statements. organizational
perspective.
20 18 16 15 13
APA Style and Format: In text citations In text citations Some in text A few in text Little or no in text
Follows the APA style included included. citations and citations and citations or 5%
(i.e., scholarly tone, throughout. References references, minor research. Mistakes research.
paraphrasing, citations, References are included; minor issues with APA in the APA styling.
sources, reference and correctly listed APA errors with styling.
title pages, line-spacing, using APA style. citations or
section/paragraph APA style references.
headings, indentations, throughout paper
and alignment of tables is correct.
and figures) accurately
and consistently
throughout the paper.

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 5 4. 3 2 1
Total possible 100 90 80 70 60 100%

Final Project, Presentation, and Slides requirements:

Requirements for Slides /presentation (Due week 8), requirements for live presentation with instructor
(due by end of course)

Students are required to schedule a Skype conference call or meeting through MS Teams with the
instructor. The purpose of the call is for the student to conduct a brief presentation of the important
aspects of the assignment and to answer questions from the instructor.

In the case where a Skype call or MS Teams call is not possible due to extenuating circumstances,
students will be required to create and submit a presentation with audio narration to the instructor. If
creating a video file, students will need to reach out to the instructor to let them know and provide the
reasons behind the request. The final presentation with the video must be submitted before the end of
Week 8 at the latest. The video file will be too large to submit to the course, so the student will be
required to email the instructor a link through Google Drive, Dropbox, or another service (It will be the
students’ responsibility to find that service). This must be an easily viewable link that the instructor can
use to see the file video file of the student presenting with audio. For the live or video a government
issued photo ID must be presented to the instructor to verify identity.

You should contact the instructor by the end of Unit 5 to begin the scheduling process. The
presentation must be scheduled with the instructor no later than the end of week 6 (depending on
instructor availability, that the instructor will have posted in week 5).

The presentation is part of the final project grade, which is a significant part of your overall grade.
Please note that only the final project is to be submitted for the final course grade. The slides are to be
used for the presentation part only as a guide for the live presentation part.

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Presentation Guidelines:

• Plan on the presentation to be 15 minutes, leaving 15 minutes for discussion with your instructor.
• The slides should include a background of the company for your final project, and a little about
your experience while working there.
• The presentation should also include the problem statement, root cause section, leadership
analysis discussion, Alternatives/solutions, final recommendation and high-level implementation
plan.
• Include a brief discussion on what the focus was in the literature review, and what you learned
from your research.
• Include discussion on ethical leadership based on the work completed in that section of the paper.
• Include a conclusion slide addressing what you learned during this process as well as any other
final comments you wish to make regarding the project.
• A reference slide should also be included.
• Slides should have 3 to 5 bullets per slide (graphics optional), summarizing the main points for
each slide.
• Students should utilize the notes section to explain in more detail anything that you wish to focus
on for each slide.
• Students should be able to present without reading line by line from the slide.
• The idea is to demonstrate your knowledge of the subject, by using the slides and notes as a
guideline. (Do not only read from the slide).

Final Project: This assignment assesses your skills/knowledge on creating a final, comprehensive work that
demonstrates a broad understanding, as well as mastery of concepts acquired during MBA study,
demonstrating the following: critical analysis, clear communication, innovative problem-solving, and
synthesis of multiple business constructs, theories and models. (CLO 4)

The final project should be a culmination of all of your work so far. Per the rubric below, it should include
the following:

1. Identified the problem, created problem statement per guidelines, per the criteria outlined in
week 1 and with feedback implemented from the instructor.

2. Root cause analysis, utilizing tools, per the criteria in week 2.

3. Leadership analysis required section of your paper as outlined in week 3.

4. Alternatives, solutions, final recommendation, and high level implementation plan as outlined in
week 4.

5. Literature review as based on the criteria as outlined in week 5 of the course.

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 6. Ethical leadership and law review, per the criteria outlined in week 6.

7. Include a conclusion to your final paper for this week, and ensure you have appropriate references
and in text citations.

Week 8 Final Project Guidelines:

CRITERIA Level 5 Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 Weights

Problem statement Student used Student used Student used Student used Student did not 15%
meets all template from template from template, has the template. Did not utilize template
requirements (using week 1, applied week 1, applied elements required apply feedback provided in week
template from week feedback from feedback from for the problem from instructor or 1. Feedback was
1), feedback has instructor. Student instructor. Student statement to is missing not applied, and
been applied. did an excellent did a sufficient job address. May not sufficient detail or the problem
job providing in the description have implemented is still missing statement is
robust description of the company, all feedback or requirements on missing elements
of the company, and the problem, suggestions from the problem from the
and the problem, including all instructor but did statement. requirements
including all requirements for show outlined in week 1.
requirements for the problem improvement
the problem statement and throughout.
statement and connecting them Problem
connecting them together with statement needs
together. minor issues or to be further
area for refined to have a
improvements. logical flow of
what the problem
is, and properly
connecting the
elements of the
problem
statement
together with
enough detail.
15 13 12 10 9

Discussion on root Student described Student Student Student provided Little or no detail 15%
causes that logically in detail the root provided sufficient provided some few details on the causes for
flows from the causes, including detail describing detail describing regarding possible the main problem
problem statement. addressing all the root causes, the root causes, root cause for the with little or no
Root cause logically required areas. and touched upon and touched upon main issue. Not research to
relates back to the Included tool used but did not fully but did not fully enough depth or support.
organizational for root cause develop all develop all references to
issues and areas analysis. Logical required areas. required areas. support
from capstone. Root flow from problem Included tool for Included tool for statements, not a
cause tool / statement. root cause root cause logical flow from
example included. analysis. analysis. problem
statement to root
cause.
15 13 12 10 8

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 Leadership section: Provided in depth Described the Described the role Not enough Did not include all 10
This section of the analysis of the role of leadership of leadership with discussion on the the required
paper should leadership with with sufficient some detail. overall impact of sections. No detail
analyse the role of citations and detail. Discussed Discussed the leadership role. or vague detail
leadership in the references to the effectiveness effectiveness of Little or no around what
company. Multiple support of leadership in leadership in references or leadership did to
levels may be statements. The solving the solving the citations. The solve the problem,
addressed. student discussed problem at hand, problem at hand, effectiveness of and if it was
Discussion on the the effectiveness and used research and used research how leadership successful or not
effectiveness of of leadership in and organizational and organizational solved the and why. Not
leadership in solving solving the theory as theory with some problem was not enough detail
the problem at problem at hand, appropriate. with detail, some discussed in regarding what
hand, using and used research sufficient detail, citations. enough detail; was effective or
research and and organizational some citations. little analysis on not effective for
organizational theory as what was effective the chosen
theory as appropriate in the or not effective company’s
appropriate analysis. about the leadership, with
leadership in this little or no in text
example. citation

10 9 8 7 6

Literature review is Student met Student met Student meets Less than required Little or no detail 15%
at least 2 to 3 pages. requirements of 2- requirements of 2- minimum pages. Lack of in- in this section, or
Student has 3 pages, included a 3 pages, included a requirements of 2 depth detail or section is
described with detailed analysis detailed analysis pages in this analysis on how completely
detail and research with multiple with multiple section. Some the topics from missing. Section is
the two topics from references and in references and in details and the MBA capstone not related to the
the MBA program as text citations to text citations to references to relate to the topics from the
identified in the support support support problem MBA program,
problem statement. statements. Good statements. statements. statement. Lacks does not relate
Feedback has been analysis of the Sufficient analysis Organization consistency or back to the
applied from topics from the of the topics from throughout the flow, and research problem
previous week. MBA capstone as the MBA capstone paper could be to support statement, or has
they relate to the as they relate to more consistent in statements. little research
problem, with a the problem, with how the topics included.
consistent flow a consistent flow from the MBA
throughout the throughout the program to the
paper. paper with minor problem
areas for statement.
improvement.
15 14 12 11 10

Provided a Student had a Student had a Student had some Little or no detail Missing this 15%
narrative that states detailed narrative sufficient narrative detail and connecting the section, or largely
alternative solutions that logically that logically explanation of the problem/cause incomplete.
to the problem and connects the connects the problem/cause statement to the Lacking any
logically connects problem problem and how it is alternatives. Lack explanation of
the problem/cause statement, with statement, with related to the of a logical flow how
to the alternatives the root cause. the root cause. alternatives. There throughout the problem/cause is
being suggested. The alternatives The alternatives is a logical flow. paper. Lack of related to the
Analysis of each flow logically from flow logically from There is sufficient detailed alternatives. May
alternative included, those sections. those sections. analysis of each alternatives, final be missing
final Analysis of each Analysis of each alternative, final recommendation, alternatives,
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recommendation, alternative alternative recommendation or high-level implementation
and high-level included, final included, final and a high-level implementation plan or final
implementation recommendation, recommendation, implementation plan. recommendation.
plan. and high-level and high-level plan.
implementation implementation
plan. plan. Minor areas
for improvement
in these sections.

15 14 12 11 10

Ethical analysis Student had a Student had a Student has some Little or no detail Missing this 10%
section discusses detailed narrative narrative that detail and discussing the section, or largely
ethical leadership, that discusses in discusses in explanation opportunities from incomplete.
opportunities for the detail the sufficient detail the regarding an ethical Lacking analysis of
organization in opportunities of opportunities of opportunities from standpoint or the current
regard to ethics and the organization as the organization as an ethical risks from a law organization. Lack
law, and discussion well as any positive well as any positive standpoint. There perspective. Little of research to
of any risks the aspects in regards aspects in regards is sufficient or no research to support
organization has to ethics and law. to ethics and law. analysis from a support statements.
from a law Includes research Includes research leadership and statements.
perspective. to support to support organizational
statements. statements. perspective.

10 9 8 7 6

Presentation Student met Student met Student Presentation was Student did not 15%
requirements: Each expectations with requirements for presentation was short and lacked complete live
of the required presentation, presentation, well organized and depth. Did not presentation with
sections for the demonstrating demonstrating met all of the meet all of the instructor or did
presentation was depth of sufficient of requirements. requirements for not submit video
included. Student knowledge of knowledge of Student the slides. Student file by end of
scheduled topics. Student topics. Student demonstrated a did not course.
presentation in met all of the met all of the good working demonstrate
timely manner, or requirements for requirements for knowledge of the knowledge in all
submitted video file the slides. Student the slides. Student subject. Was able aspects of the final
before end of was able to answer was able to answer to answer project. Read from
course. Student questions questions questions, more notes/ slides
presented the regarding topic and regarding topic and detail heavily.
Government ID. was very engaged. was very engaged. demonstrating
Student was Spoke confidently Spoke confidently knowledge or less
professional, and and reading from
organized, and conversationally, conversationally, notes/slides would
demonstrated did not read from did not read from have added to
knowledge of the slides the entire slides the entire presentation.
subject. Student time. time.
spoke confidently
and was able to
answer questions
from the instructor
regarding the
assignment.

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 15 14 13 12 10

APA Style and In text citations In text citations Some in text A few in text Little or no in text
Format, overall included included citations and citations and citations or 5%
mechanics and throughout. throughout. references, minor research. Mistakes research.
References are issues with APA in the APA styling. Grammar/spelling/
grammar: Follows References are
correctly listed styling. Minor Grammar/spelling/ organizational
the APA style (i.e., correctly listed using APA style. spelling or organizational issues exist
scholarly tone, using APA style. APA style grammar issues. issues exist.
paraphrasing, APA style throughout paper
citations, sources, throughout paper is correct.
reference and title is correct. Grammar, spelling,
pages, line-spacing, Grammar, spelling, logical organization
all exist with a few
section/paragraph logical organization
minor errors.
headings, all exist.
indentations, and
alignment of tables
and figures)
accurately and
consistently
throughout the
paper. Good
grammar, logical
flow little or no
spelling mistakes.

5 4 3 2 1

Total possible 100 90 80 70 100%

27
Updated 12/2023