Using
MindMeister, create a mind map that illustrates
the difference between input and output devices. Provide at least one example
for each device. For each example, describe the benefits and challenges
associated with incorporating that device into the classroom, and identify at
least one application to learning. Post a link to your mind map in the
discussion board and critically reflect on the process of making a mind map.
Was it frustrating? Exciting? Would you use MindMeister in your own classroom?
Why or why not?

If you experience difficulty accessing or providing a link you can export your
mind map to an image file (please use JPG format) and upload it with your
discussion post. The MindMap exporting
instructions
may prove useful.

Instructions for Project Part 3- Lincoln Electrics

Now that you have conducted a cultural review along with developing some marketing strategies for entry into the country, it is time to begin the third part of the project, which continues from Project Part 2. Using the same company of choice that is proposing an expansion opportunity oversea, conduct a strategic audit on the following areas:

• Internal environment
• External environment
• Strengths
• Problem analysis
• Recommendations and implementation costs
• Evaluation and Control Processes

Submit a two- to three-page Word document using 12-pt. font and APA format. In your paper include a title sheet and 2-3 references. Only one reference may be found on the internet. The other references must be found in the Grantham University online library. Only the body of the paper will count toward the word requirement.

I’ve provided 2 discussions that need to be responded separately.

1-)The company that I have chosen to evaluate is Walt Disney Company. Porter’s Five Competitive Forces is a tool that allows for the analysis of Walt Disney Company and its competitors (Porter, 1979). Competitive rivalry is a strong force because Walt Disney Company has a competitive stake in multiple industries including filmmaking, theme parks, and retail stores. Walt Disney Company’s competitors are not exactly small either; for instance, Disneyworld competes with Universal Studios in Orlando, FL, Pixar competes with DreamWorks Animation, and Marvel competes with DC Comic Books. These factors also favor the buyer’s power which is another strong competitive force. Consumers have many choices when it comes to where they want to spend their money and Walt Disney Company and its competitors rely heavily on those decisions.

The threat of new entrants and the threat of substitutions are weak forces for Walt Disney Company. Walt Disney Company does face competition, but that does not mean that the competitors are or ever will be able to offer the imagination, products, services, or trade secrets that Walt Disney Company is able to consistently provide. I ranked suppliers’ power as a weak force too because there are a variety of suppliers for Walt Disney Company to choose from a domestic and international perspective.

2-)Porters 5 forces offers an excellent way for companies to examine themselves and create targeted strategies. The company I choose to analyze this week is Starbucks, one of the coffee giants of the world. Starbucks is certainly a powerful company that has shown continued growth over the years, however without an intelligent understanding of their position in the these five areas, they would not be able to make smart decisions for their growth. Shown below is an analysis of these five forces as they relate to Starbucks.

Threat of new entry (Moderate)

• The market is already heavily saturated and any new companies would be competing amongst the likes of Starbucks, Dunkin, and Mcdonalds.
• Profitability would also likely be an issue for any new companies, as their economies of scale do not match up.
• A company like Starbucks who purchases mass quantities of supplies are able to push favorable pricing upon their suppliers.
• New competitors will not have anywhere near an equivalent share and therefor may be charing just as much if not more to make up for higher supplier costs.
• Trends however tend to dictate new entrants becoming successful and Starbucks is a perfect example of this.

Supplier Power (low)

• While Starbucks focuses on acquiring beans from certain regions, there are many suppliers in each of these regions that can provide the same beans and quality.
• Starbucks offers a lucrative contract to suppliers whereas they are able to sell very large volumes and make far more than they would off other potential buyers.
• Starbucks also negotiates its deals in long term contracts rather than buying as needed. This allows them to have windows built in whereby if an issue occurs when negotiating a new contract the company still has years left on the existing contract to continue shopping around.

Buyer Power (high)

• Starbucks charges a premium for their product in relation to most other coffee retailers.
• Starbucks customers pay the premium to have specific needs meet, which Starbucks is therefor required to understand and provide in order to not risk loss of business.
• It costs nothing for a customer to choose a competitor such as Dunkin over Starbucks, and in fact would allow their costs to be reduced
• Outside of direct to consumer sales, the company also must work with distribution networks such as grocery stores where they are able to negotiate rates at which Starbucks is charged to have their products in stores.

Threat of Substitutes (low)

• Starbucks offerings are so widespread that there are very few substitutes left.
• They offer everything form coffee, to juices, to smoothies, to water.
• The only main risk to call out is that they typically compete with craft breweries and wineries as a place to gather and hang out with people.

Threat of Competition (high)

• While Starbucks manages to sell a wide variety of products, there are still many other choices available on the market
• Starbucks does have an extremely loyal base that represents the bulk of their sales, however there is a segment of consumers who will shop around. Packaged coffee or k-cups sold by the company are also typically in high competition withing grocery stores as they are typically side by side with other premium brands which are just as easy for a customer to choose.
• Chances are on a typical commute a consumer will pass multiple coffee shop options giving them plenty of choices over Starbucks

write 500 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas.

The annotated bibliography is a cornerstone of academic research and allows students and policy analysts to understand the current state of knowledge about an issue before proposing policy alternatives.

• How does an annotated bibliography prepare you to create an effective literature review?
• If a policy analyst simply did an Internet search and gave policymakers some results about a policy issue, what would happen? What would be missing?
• Using credible academic and government reference sources to build a literature review is crucial, but it can be challenging to write. How will you approach transitioning from the annotated bibliography to the literature review?
  • What are some common errors to avoid in writing a literature review?

Please use the attached papers that were used thorough out the course to complete the assignment.  If any additional information needed please advise… 8 pages is enough

For your Final Project, you will create a capital investment plan proposal utilizing the health care business you selected in Week One as well as the answers to the Basic Information questions.  Refer to the websites for Sample Business Plans. http://www.bplans.com/medical_and_health_care_business_plan_templates.php 

Create a capital investment plan proposal for your health care company that includes the following sections:

1. Executive Summary: This section is a concise, one- to two-page/slide summary of a business report. It restates the purpose of the report, highlights the major points of the report, and describes any results, conclusions, or recommendations from the report. 
2. Service and/or Equipment Description: This section should be at least one page/slide. Describe the service or equipment suggested in the business proposal and the reasons why this is socially and politically beneficial for the community in meeting consumer demands. 
3. Establishing the Team: This section should be at least one page/slide and include a chart that illustrates the structure of the capital investment team.  In addition, provide a summary of your team (background, responsibilities, etc.). 
4. Key Strategic Goals: This section should be at least one page and include specific funding sources for the capital investment. 
5. Financial Analysis: Projected income statement and types of assumptions made to compute the figures. 
   • Typical income statement assumption information requirements.  Initial investment 
   • What types of revenue will be generated from the capital investment?  Will insurance reimburse?  If so, discuss the impact of the various reimbursements (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, private, or self-pay). 
   • How many services will be offered to produce the revenue (by month)? Look at patient days. 
   • How much labor will be required (FTEs)? 
   • What will the labor cost? 
   • How many (and what types of) supplies and/or devices will be required to offer the service? 
   • What will the supplies, drugs, and/or devices cost? 
   • How much space will be required?  Are renovation costs involved? 
   • What will the required space occupancy cost? 
   • What is the life of the equipment (if applicable) and the cost of maintaining the equipment?
     • Cash flows: 
     • Payback period 
     • Internal rate of return 
     • Assume discount rate of 8% and 6% respectively for comparison purposes. 

   Submit your proposal using a presentation tool such as PowerPoint. Your Capital Investment Plan Proposal should include a title page/slide and table of contents (section names and page numbers). In addition, include detailed speaker notes that are grammatically correct.  You may also submit a written report to go along with your presentation, but you should still include detailed speaker notes.
   Completing the Final Project

   The Final Project:

   1. Must be 8 to 10 double-spaced pages/slides in length, and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. 
   2. Must include a title page/slide with the following:
      1. Title of project 
      2. Student’s name 
      3. Course name and number 
      4. Instructor’s name 
      5. Date submitted 
   3. Must begin with a succinct thesis statement. 
   4. Must address the topic of the project with critical thought. 
   5. Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis. 
   6. Must use at least four scholarly sources that are cited according to APA format as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.. 
   7. Must include a separate reference page/slidethat is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. 

   Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.