FAQ for Writing up a Challenge Case or Problem
WHY CHALLENGES?
Case studies and problem solving forms an integral part of your learning about this subject.
WHO DOES THEM?
They may be team or individual exercises, so you may be asked to form a virtual team with some other class members. If you do the case as a team, your team will jointly be responsible for the deliverables.
WHAT'S A CHALLENGE LOOK LIKE?
Each challenge case or problem has a description of a scenario and a short list of
questions or a statement of what you are to do.
WHAT DO WE DO?
Your team will be submit a written case analyses or problem solutions, at a minimum answering certain questions. The number is specified in the challenge description. You'll be told each time what to deliver. Each submission consists at minimum of a written report (in Word) and/or a Powerpoint presentation. the report at a minimum is a brief executive summary of your findings for the challenge, usually with numbers. You may also need or want to submit an Excel spreadsheet or some other machine readable computer output as exhibits for
the work you have done. Usually you can embed such outputs in your Word
document or your Powerpoint presentation; that's the preferred way.
You can include them as exhibits at the end, referred to in
the text, or inline with the text.
DOES THE WRITING MATTER?
All submitted work must be professionally prepared and checked, and
part of your grade will be based on the quality of your writing and
presentation materials, and how it captures and holds the reader's
attention and preemptively answers obvious questions about the
material. There should also be some humor and graphic
material-- a cartoon and picture, relevant and in good business taste.
HOW WILL WE TEAM UP?
If a team is chosen, you will select your own teammates from the class
list. It will be easier to coordinate with some class members, and you are strongly advised to consider communications and common working times in choosing partners. You will need some face-to-face meetings, but you will also work by email and phone, the way folks do in business today.
HOW DO WE DELIVER THINGS?
Deliverables will be uploaded to the Learning system under the Assignment for the challenge, by the due date. Normally you will be allowed to revise up to the deadline.
HOW WILL OUR WORK BE EVALUATED?
Your grade will be based on a rubric. Needless to say, important factors will be clear statement of decisions, accuracy of reasoning, proper use of concepts from the chapter and course, professional preparation, and ability to hold the reader's or viewer's interest. Expect to have to include a cartoon and picture.
WHAT GRADE DO I GET?
All members of a team will receive the same grade.
HOW ABOUT ME AND MY TEAMMATES? WHAT ABOUT FREE RIDING?
You will be required to submit a Peer Evaluation Form for each assignment and assess the performance of each of your team members. The Peer Evaluation Form is available on Blackboard. You will not receive credit for an assignment unless (i) you submit the Peer Evaluation Form and (ii) your team members agree that you have significantly contributed to the team work. The instructor may use this input to adjust grades accordingly.
CAN I SUGGEST IMPROVEMENTS TO THESE ACTIVITIES?
Sure. I am always interested in ways of improving your learning experience from these activities. You can
email me your suggestions.
