Discussions

Discussion 1: "Identifying Truth or Fiction"

Please respond to the following:

• The video clip ‘The Baloney Detection Kit' in the Webtext this week discusses the many ways in which an effective critical thinker assesses the claims made by others. Explain what you believe is the real difference between ‘science' and ‘pseudoscience'.

• Examine the key reasons why so many people might seem to be attracted to more pseudoscience-type claims. Describe at least two such claims that you have heard people make, and analyze the main reasons why such claims do or do not meet rigorous scientific methodology standards. Determine at least two ways in which the material discussed this week has changed your own thinking.

Discussion 2: "Executive Pay"

Please respond to the following:

• Some evidence suggests that there is a direct and positive relationship between a firm's size and its top-level managers' compensation. Explain what inducement you think that relationship provides to upper-level executives.

• Recommend what can be done to influence the relationship so that it serves shareholders' interests

Discussion 3: "Dr Pepper Snapple Group 2011: Fighting to Prosper in a Highly Competitive Market"

Please respond to the following:

• The case study outlines six specific strategies that the firm has chosen to support its strategic direction. Determine which strategy is most likely to benefit the firm. Explain your rationale.

• Briefly outline at least one other strategy the firm could take to support its strategic direction. Illustrate why this new strategy would be successful.

Discussion 4: "International Opportunities"

Please respond to the following:

• Determine why, given the advantages of international diversification, some firms choose not to expand internationally. Provide specific examples to support your response.

• As firms attempt to internationalize, they may be tempted to locate their facilities where business regulation laws are lax. Discuss the advantages and potential risks of such an approach, using specific examples to support your response

Discussion 5: "Cooperative Strategy"

Please respond to the following:

• From an ethical perspective, determine how much information a firm is obliged to tell a potential strategic alliance partner about what it expects to learn from the cooperative arrangement. Explain your rationale.

• From the e-Activity, determine which type of cooperative strategy would most benefit the two companies you researched. Provide specific examples to support your response

Discussion 6: "Problem Solving Interview Question"

Please respond to the following:

• Respond to this typical interview question: Explain a specific example in which you utilized problem solving strategies to resolve a problem in the real world.

• Provide your feedback from the perspective of an interview coach to at least three of your classmates