Business Marketing Management - Term Paper Example

? International Methods of Management INTRODUCTION Objective The INSEEC Master & MSC Career Week/Days Project Plan will provide a definition of the project, including the following project’s goals and objectives: as an international business school should present an equal balance of well organized career week in order to accept different nationalities and attract their ambition to get involved on their system and direct their capabilities. Additionally, the report will provide clear and thorough explanations on our choices relative to the Career week’s rethinking and redesigning. This Project Plan would define the following: Project purpose Project goals and objectives Scope and expectations Roles and responsibilities Assumptions and constraints Project management approach Ground rules for the project Project budget Project timeline Background Information/Available Alternatives High standards are considered an important factor in the process of developing curriculum and career for quality education for all students irrespective of their background. This calls for corporate effort from schools and districts in development of quality career week days based on standards. Such standard-based curriculum requires various crucial changes within domains of teaching methods, ways of running schools. Additionally, process on curriculum development should provide various opportunities for reflection and revision for purposes of ensuring frequent improvement and update. Development of high standard curriculum requires collaboration amongst educators, parents, community members and students. These shareholders are required to share their expertise in the creation of curriculum for quality student learning (Pattison and Berkas). Workshop The key sponsors of this project would be Career Services Center, Student Alumni Association and The Division of Student Affairs. The career week would offer opportunity for current students to connect to the rest of the world as well as exploring various professional options. This would be achieved through presentations, workshops as well as one-on-one mentoring with alumni and employers. There is need for students to start exploring their career options earlier enough. Career week assist in bridging the gap between academic major and career options since the events have potential of speaking to student needs irrespective of the background. The program focuses on organizational improvements as well as accommodating students from all walks of life including English speakers. Career week planning committee members Name of committee member Contact Chairman Group : Address/Addressa : Email : Co-chair Group : Address/Addressa : Email : Planning Committee members 1.Group : Address/Addressa : Email : 2. Group : Address/Addressa : Email : It’s all about deliverables Deliverables will take many forms, however in this project, they will be problem solvers, answering to the students’ expectations regarding the event. First of all, the current career week issues and problems pointed out by the students are listed below: Limited space for a significant number of people Restricted access to companies Companies were interested in French speakers only Poor time management / not enough time for several interviews Missing scheduled companies Misinformation: schedule difficult to understand No proper career week representatives Increasing the number of students participating in the event as well as improving relationship and communication will make significant progress after the following actions are undertaken: Better internal communication with students Take all students into consideration: International and French Internationally-oriented companies involved in the event Clear planning and continuous information transfer Appropriate and adapted spaces, welcoming as many students as possible Clearly designated career week official of which could be a white paper, a training course, a website, a position paper, or other specific technical solutions. Increase in the number of foreign students registering for courses at institution, improved relationship and communication shown through many applications for internships and job opportunities by students’ from all backgrounds. Increase in traffic towards company’s web sites. Project Approach This section outlines the way the career week will be rolled out including the highest level. While developing our project, we went through the following phases: Phase I: Secure agreement with career developers and stake holders Phase II: Develop program for career week Phase III: Installation of the plan Phase IV: Testing phase Phase V: Conduct Training Phase VI: Implementation of overall plan Goals and Objectives Project Goals and Objectives The goals and objectives for this project will focus on implementation of a plan for international business school presenting an equal balance of well-organized career week for the purposes of accepting different nationalities hence attracting their ambition to get involved on their system and direct their capabilities. The initial step in creation of career week involves development of Curriculum framework where standards are integrated within the framework at national, state or district level. National frameworks are developed by national organizations, state frameworks written by state departments dealing with education and district frameworks developed by regional school districts. Components of curriculum should be selected based on purpose and audience. At the same time, it should incorporate standards within the context of reform. Such standards should include; content standards, which incorporate broad expectations on students’ knowledge and their abilities in particular, subjects and grade levels, benchmarks, which are more specific statements and developmental look at each standard. It provides student’s expected performance at particular ages, grades or developmental levels. Then there is a student performance standard, which includes activities students, must do to demonstrate proficiency levels (Pattison and Berkas). An Example of a Curriculum Framework That Can Be Developed Is This can be achieved through capacity building within various levels of educational system. This ensures integration of standards into curriculum since it increases capability of students to perform and produce. Within the context of standards-based educational reform, the concept involves entire community of stakeholders within education system such as educators and institution, students and their parents (Pattison and Berkas). Weekly Schedule Date Time Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday Wednesday 09.10.2013 8AM/ 10AM Workshop For CV +Cover Letter Workshop For CV +Cover Letter Attending Interview Attending Interview Attending Interview 10AM/12PM Lunch Lunch Lunch 12PM/1PM Lunch Lunch Business Game Business Game Business Game 1PM/5.30PM Workshop For CV +Cover Letter Workshop For CV +Cover Letter Interviews Interviews Interviews 6PM/7PM Conference 1 Conference 2 Conference 3 Career week Events: Conferences details Day of the Week Time Venue Activity Moderators Monday 10 am-1.00pm Room 102 The art of networking Presentations by College Recruting Specialist : those who need internship or job, tips on networking and navigation on Career Fairs 12 :00- 1 :00PM Room 102 Insights on Internship and paths to success Panell of Intern’s : discover more from current and past student interns 12 :00-1 :00pm Room 107 Presentation on Professional and informal dressing Human resource specialist : Discussions on appearance that work and assit individuals land their first job or internship 10 :00am-5 :00pm Common Room Information on Career Week Pick up Career week infomation and schedule at the careers office in common room 5 :00pm-7 :30pm Common Room Entertaiment Food, photos, music and drama Tuesday 10 :00-1 :00pm Room 112 Learning from Veterans Veterans from target organizations  12 :00-1 :00pm Room 111 Getting a job with any subject major -Moderator ; Director of Academics -Diverse pannel of student alumni : sharing how their undergrauate majors landed them their current careers. - Students inspired to realize worth of all subject majors 10 :00am-5pm Common Room Information on career week -Answers to any puzzling questions -Career week infomation and schedule at the careers office in common room 6 :00-9pm Common Room Alumni Career networking night Learning from alumni Wednesday 10 :00am-1pm Room 110 Information on careers in Higher education Administrators : explore many options available at higher education careers field 12 :00-1pm Room 113 Entreprenuership Entreprenuer panel : starting your own business/company 12 :00-2pm Room 104 Public Speaking President of Business Resource Center : 10 :00am-5pm Common room Information on career week Career week infomation and schedule at the careers office in common room 5 :00-8pm Common room Career paths Administrator Graduate student’s roundtable dinner -Moderator : Associate Director of Career Programming and Events -All employers/organizations will present job opportunities -students will share and learn on expectations for various positions -Students encouraged to come with up-dated CV Thursday 10 :00am -1pm Room 101 Survival Rules -Dean of students : insights on navigating through graduate school -Compulsory for all students 12 :00-1pm Room 106 Financial literacy -Senior Financial Planner : budget planning, avoiding financial blunders, 10 :00am-5pm Common Room Career week Information -Information on career week and schedules including answers to questions 2 :00-5pm Career Fair, Workshop for CV and cover letter -Employers from various industries who require interns and providing full-time jobs -Carry resume, professional dress code, opportunity to present skills and strength 6 :00-8pm Common Room Extra-curricula Activities -Representatives from all sports events Friday 10 :00am-5pm Common Room Workshop for CV and cover letter -All potential employerss 3 :00-6pm Field Playing games -Different sport events The core priority for the project management exercise was to enhance the organization of the next career event and to better fulfill expectations more specifically in line with specializations (international business). The project weekly schedule will provide an opportunity for the development of new skills and also highlight what is expected of the members in the project. Thursday and Friday will be conducted prior to the career week and will prepare students for the different challenges that they may encounter. The professional games included in the weekly schedule is designed to keep the students attention in the entire process and the rewards offered, interviews offered with an involved organization of student’s choice, were to motivate the students into achieving the objectives intended for the weekly schedule. The workshops will be used to allow international speakers to address the students on the different career lines they select. The breaks and time that will not be counted for during the weekly schedule will enable the students to familiarize themselves with the environment and prepare for other activities which will happen in the course of the day. The new schedule will work towards developing a reasoned and logical construction of knowledge into the numerous professional opportunities they could encounter. Moreover, the new schedule will lead to creativity among learners as it has incorporated such element like new games in the weekly schedule. In the past weekly schedule, we encountered several challenges like being put congested in a limited space, as the population attending the conference was high. The access to the site was also restricted and this caused us to be bored since we stayed in one environment for many hours, waiting our turn to be heard by any professional representative. It was also challenging for international students who only knew English, as organizations specifically wanted French speakers. There was also the issue of time when it came to the interviews, which were conducted by companies, as the time set aside was not sufficient since there were several interviews that were conducted in the course of the day. There was also a problem of space management since exhibitions were held in different places and this confused the participant, as we did not have much time to familiarize ourselves with all the various stands. Moreover, all the expected companies did not show up for the seminar, therefore, limiting the potential opportunities. There were also errors in the communication process as we lacked a professional feedback handling our unanswered questions. The choices made were aimed correcting the challenges experienced by different scholars who find themselves under similar environment. We chose debriefing after the whole career since it was the easiest way of getting direct feedback from students. We have thus decided to adapt an international approach, as many speakers from different companies who had been invited to attend the seminar had failed, therefore opted that this was the best option available to us and other learners to follow. We have also identified “lunch breaks” as being our main cost, averaging an amount of 10 Euros / Student, enhancing thus the event’s quality and presenting fine dishes coming from different regions of French, increasing International students’ curiosity for the country they live in while maintaining interaction. Lastly, we have chosen business games involving students in negotiation plays. These games will be held in tournament, each different phases and the winner will be awarded an interview in the same afternoon with a representative from the company of his choice. This interactional event will allow students to strengthen their confidence in front of an audience while prepare them to confront a future interview by benefiting from our professorial corps’ feedback. Risk Assessment The initial Risk Assessment on this project attempts to identify, characterize, prioritize and document a mitigation approach relative to those risks, which can be identified prior to the start of the project. The Risk Assessment will be continuously monitored and updated throughout the life of the project, with weekly assessments included in the status report and open to amendment by the Project Manager. Because mitigation approaches should be agreed upon by project leadership based on the assessed impact of the risk, the project’s ability to accept the risk, and the feasibility of mitigating the risk, there is a necessity of allocating time to each Steering Committee meeting, dedicated to identifying new risks and discussing mitigation strategies. Initial Project Risk Assessment Risk Risk Level L/M/H Likelihood of Event Mitigation Strategy Project Size     Person Hours H: Over 20,000 Certainty Assigned Project Manager, engaged consultant, comprehensive project management approach and communications plan Estimated Project Schedule H: Over 12 months Certainty Created comprehensive project timeline with frequent baseline reviews Team Size at Peak H: Over 15 members Certainty Comprehensive communications plan, frequent meetings, tight project management oversight Number of Interfaces to Existing Systems Affected H: Over 3 Certainty Develop interface control document immediately Project Definition     Narrow Knowledge Level of Users M: Knowledgeable of user area only Likely Assigned Project Manager(s) to assess global implications Available documentation clouds establishment of baseline M: More than 75% complete/current Likely Balance of information to be gathered by consultant Project Scope Creep L: Scope generally defined, subject to revision Unlikely Scope intially defined in project plan, reviewed monthly by three groups (Project Manager and Steering Committee) to prevent undetected scope creep  Consultant Project Deliverables unclear L: Well defined Unlikely Included in project plan, subject to amendment  Vendor Project Deliverables M: Estimated, not clearly defined Somewhat likely Included in project plan, subject to amendment  Cost Estimates Unrealistic L: Thoroughly predicted by education experts using proven practices to 15% margin of error Unlikely Included in project plan, subject to amendment as new details regarding project scope are revealed  Timeline Estimates Unrealistic M: Timeline assumes no derailment Somewhat likely Timeline reviewed weekly by three groups (Project Manager and Steering Committee) to prevent undetected timeline departures Number of Team Members Unknowledgeable of Business L: Team well versed in business operations impacted by technology Unlikely Project Manager and consultant to identify knowledge gaps and provide training, as necessary Project Leadership     Steering Committee existence L: Identified and enthusiastic Unlikely Frequently seek feedback to ensure continued support Absence of Commitment Level/Attitude of Management L: Understands value & supports project Unlikely  Frequently seek feedback to ensure continued support Absence of Commitment Level/Attitude of Users L: Understands value & supports project Unlikely  Frequently seek feedback to ensure continued support Absence of Mid-Management Commitment L: Most understand value & support project Unlikely Frequently seek feedback to ensure continued support  Project Staffing     Project Team Availability M: Distributed team makes availability questionable Somewhat likely Continuous review of project momentum by all levels. Consultant to identify any impacts caused by unavailability. If necessary, increase committmment by participants to full time status Physical Location of Team prevents effective management M: Team is dispersed among several sites Likely Use of Intranet project website, comprehensive Communications Plan Project Team’s Shared Work Experience creates poor working relationship M: Some have worked together before Somewhat likely Comprehensive Communications Plan Weak User Participation on Project Team L: Users are part-time team members Unlikely User Group Participants coordinated by full time employee Project Management     Procurement Methodology Used foreign to team L: Procurement Methodology familiar to team Unlikely N/A  Change Management Procedures undefined L: Well-defined Unlikely N/A  Quality Management Procedures unclear L: Well-defined and accepted Unlikely N/A  Software Vendor     Number of Times Team Has Done Prior Work with Vendor Creates Foreign Relationship H: Never Certainty A comprehensive stakeholder evaluation and selection process (incorporated into Project Plan) will be employed to predict and define the relationship between the department and the vendor Team’s Lack of Knowledge of Package M: Conceptual understanding Somewhat likely Comprehensive stakeholder evaluation and selection process incorporated into Project Plan will assist the team in better understanding the package offering(s) Poor Functional Match of Package to Initial System Requirements L: Minimal customization required Unlikely  Although a package has not yet been selected, the Consultant has compared the initial requirements with available functionality and determined that a functional match to the initial requirements is very likely. Vendor selection will be based, in part, on how well the proposed application matches defined functional specifications. Team’s Involvement in Package Selection Impacts Success of Implementation L: High involvement in selection Unlikely Comprehensive vendor evaluation and selection process incorporated into Project Plan Project Roles and Responsibilities Role Responsibilities Participant(s) Project Sponsor Ultimate decision-maker and tie-breaker Provide project oversight and guidance Review/approve some project elements - Head of INSEEC Masters & MSCs Steering Committee (Golden, Griffin, Haston, Bradley, Lakes, Oakley, Moss, Jones, Troutman) Commits department resources Approves major funding and resource allocation strategies, and significant changes to funding/resource allocation Resolves conflicts and issues Provides direction to the Project Manager Review project deliverables Assist with seating of students and monitoring behavior Crowd control and ensuring speakers have everything they require Facilitate students in and out of sessions including during meals NB: Person in bold will have a radio to communicate with the front office for calling Classes down to their station. Please make sure you pick up radio before 8am. All Helpers are to be in place by 8:15am. Lunch will be provided to each of you at 2pm. - Administration representatives headed by Mr. Dhia Project Manager Manages project in accordance to the project plan Serves as liaison to the Steering Committee Receive guidance from Steering Committee Supervises consultants Supervise vendor(s) Provide overall project direction Direct/lead team members toward project objectives Handle problem resolution Manages the project budget - Designated project manager among the team in charge of the Career Week project Project Participants Understand the user needs and business processes of their area Act as consumer advocate in representing their area Communicate project goals, status and progress throughout the project to personnel in their area Review and approve project deliverables Creates or helps create work products Coordinates participation of work groups, individuals and stakeholders Provide knowledge and recommendations Helps identify and remove project barriers Assure quality of products that will meet the project goals and objectives Identify risks and issues and help in resolutions Benefit from the project and the conferences held accordingly Want to be recognized and have equal professional opportunities Enrolled in the school for its professional network. - INSEEC Professors and administration officials. -International and French students from various INSEEC Masters programs Subject Matter Experts/ Professional actors Lend expertise and guidance as needed Represent organizations recruiting new talents -Professionals and companies representatives involved in the event. Communications Plan Disseminating knowledge and information prior, during and after is essential to the project’s success. Project participants desire knowledge of what the status of the project is and how they are affected. Furthermore, they are anxious to participate. The more people are educated about the progress of the project and how it will help them in the future, the more they are likely to participate and benefit. Communication should remain constant between the administration and the students in order to sustain the interest for the coming career week. Several communication tools will thus be used to serve this purpose and act as reminders: a) Mailing: mails will be sent one month prior the event and each week during the event’s month, including a list of all professional partners involved, a clear and proper timetable providing details on timing, place and personnel. b) Live presentations: project members will come to classes in order to present the career week and its program to the students as well as promote the various benefits that they might get from this event. c) Posters: posters will be hanged on the school main buildings’ walls, including the practical points relative to students. Finally, students will be asked to answer a qualitative questionnaire, which will allow the school to get immediate feedback and fresh impressions directly after the event. This will further show a true involvement in the student’s future professional life and how to help him achieve his objectives, providing a real interactional platform, with back and fourth feedback. Project Timeline Our proposed agenda is proposed below. Note that most of costs are based upon expectations. CAREER WEEK BUDGET               ESTIMATED INCOME   $     Number   Registration fees   2000   Participants 450   Resource Center Fees   500   Presenters/Volunteers 40   Perkins Grant   3800   Information Tables 25   Cash Donations   2200         Total estimated income   8,500         ESTIMATED EXPENSES             Food costs   24800         Printing/Internet costs   3500         Operating Expenditures/Services   2000         Total Esimated Expense   30300         TOTAL   38800         Budget details             Food costs will include             Bread and French Baguette (Paris lle de France), Apple Strudel Dessert (Alsace) Breakfast           Alligot Cheese Dish (Aveyron), Baeckeoffe Meat Stew (Alsace), Fish from Corsica, Joute Vegetable Stew (Champagne Ardenne), Raclette Dish (Alpes), Lunch           Typical fruit from Corsica, Emmental Cheese, Snacks           Printing/Postage/Internet cost             Registration bronchure             Conference program             Career Resource letters             Letterhead             Certificates             Website fees             Name tags             Speaker information letters             Appreciation letters             Operaing Expenses/Services             Supplies (folders, pencils, paper, Raffle prizes             Facilitites fee             Keynote Speaker/Travel expenses             Stipends, clerical assistance             Cultural Entertainment             Video/Photo/Public Address system             Reporting and ownership The following is a list of communication events that are established for this project: Daily Status Reports The Administartors shall provide daily written status reports to the Steering Committee. The reports shall include the following information tracked against the Career week events: Summary of tasks completed in previous days Summary of tasks scheduled for completion in successive days Summary of issue status and resolutions Daily Steering Committee Meeting These status meetings will be held daily and will be coordinated by the Administrators. Every member of the Steering Committee participates in the meeting. The Administrators sends the status report to each member of the team prior to the meeting time so everyone can review it in advance. Website Use: User Group Participants and Subject Matter Experts will be updated daily at the discretion of the Administrator. Information will be posted to the project’s website. Works Cited Fill, C. (2005). Marketing Communications - Engagement, strategies and practice, Pearson Education Ltd., Edinburgh Gate Hutt, M. D. & Thomas, W. S. (2002). Business Marketing Management: B2B. (10th Edition). South-Western, Thomson Learning Pattison, Cyntha and Nancy, Berkas 2000, Critical Issue: Integrating Standards into Curriculum. Web. 26 Nov 2013 Read More