From the list of case studies below, select one issue to explore in-depth. You may use lectures, text readings, interviews, observations, library, and internet resources to collect information. Summarize your findings in a position paper of no more than 3 double spaced pages. YOU MUST HAVE RESOURCES AND IN-TEXT CITATIONS-ALL REFERENCES MUST BE WITHIN 5 YEARS!! LESS THAN 7% TURNITIN SCORE!!

A.     What is a position paper?

Your position paper will use “thesis-first” organization. This means you begin with your thesis and spend the remainder of the paper supporting it and defending your claims against counterclaims. (You need to cite all sources used.) Here’s an outline:

1.      issue is introduced

2.      position is asserted

3.      counterclaims are summarized

4.      counterclaims are refuted

5.      your claims, supported with evidence

6.      conclusion in support of position

B.     How will the paper be graded?

The paper is worth up to 10 extra credit points, awarded according to:

– writing clarity (including spelling, grammar, punctuation, citations, etc.)

– critical thinking (development of the major and supporting points)

– resources (incorporation of course and outside literature, investigations, etc.)

Issues Suggested by Case Studies-SELECT 1

The Downshifting Movement

Impact of Noise and Light Pollution

Torrent of Tourists in Nepal (Cultural Loss)

Hip-Hop (Good or bad for society?)

Violence in the movies and TV

The Pros and Cons of Video Games

Raves/ (electronic dance music) EDM parties

The Credit Card Crisis (Play now, pay later)

Binge Watching TV

The Slow Movement                                               

Scouting for All (Benefits or drawbacks of Boy and Girl Scouts)   Competition in Youth Sports

: Position PaperAdaptive Questions

Definition: AQ’s are open ended questions, which have no personal agenda or motive other than

to bring an individual or group to a healthier place. AQ’s, unlike Technical Questions, have no

predetermined answer.

Purpose: When appropriately constructed, AQ’s have the ability to move individuals and groups

to a stronger, more robust, and healthier position.

Characteristics:

The strongest AQ’s lead to more AQ’s until a visionary resolution can be found.

The art of asking AQ’s is a process.

AQ’s are not oppressive, rather AQ’s are inspiring.

AQ’s seek to find the best resolution for people and organizations who find themselves in
trying circumstances.

No expert can tell you the answer to an AQ. lf experts and consultants are used, they
should train people how to ask AQ’s and how to create an environment of freedom and
permission so that the best possible solution can be found.

Solutions, through the use of AQ’s, are discovered and not taught.

Example

Situation: Your employees are tired and worn out, and several appear to be approaching burn

out (including you). In addition, there is a high turn-over rate on your team.

Goal: As a manager, you desire to retain productivity levels but at the same time also increase

workplace morale and health.

Sample Technical Questions: (Can be easily answered)

How many hours a week do employees work? (Including at home and after hours)

Where is there a lack of efficiency in the system?

What in the system is redundant? Is the redundancy necessary?

How much time off or down time are employees given? (Through out the year, month,
week, and day) How is this time used?

What kind of food sources are available to your employees at work?

Adaptive Questions:

What gives personnel energy? What causes the loss of morale?

How can the system invest in personnel better?

What is unduly threatening at work?

How can the system better effect home and personal life?

How does the work environment deter productivity, morale, and health?

How can the daily schedule be better structured?

How can we ensure that the entire organization isn’t continuously on call when away from
work?

What best incentivizes the individuals and the system?

Matt Skolnik Page 1 of 2 For use in MGMT 395.