Week 7 Assignment - Problem-Solving Essay: Part 1 ✓ Solved

Choose one of the problem scenarios listed here as your topic for the assignment, Problem-Solving: Part 2.

1. Write a brief paragraph with your choice and define the problem in the scenario.

2. Submit your topic choice to your professor for approval.

Scenario 1: You have worked at your company for 11 years. You have returned to college to earn a Bachelor's degree to increase your chances of a promotion. You are nearly finished with your degree when a supervisor's position in a competing company becomes available in another state. The start date is in two weeks, during your final exam period for your courses. The position offers $15,000 per year salary increase, a car allowance, and relocation expenses. Your former supervisor works for the company and is recommending you for the position based on your outstanding job performance; if you want the job, it's yours. All of the other supervisors at this level in the company have Master's degrees, so you know that you would be expected to earn your Bachelor's degree and continue on to a Master's degree. Your current company offers tuition reimbursement, but the new company does not.

Scenario 2: Your child comes home from school with an assignment sheet for a school project. They are very excited about the project and begin work immediately, doing research on the Internet and gathering materials. You read over the assignment sheet and notice that your child is not including all of the required items in the project, and you have some ideas for how to improve the quality of the presentation. You recently read an article in a parenting magazine about the importance of a child developing responsibility for their own learning. You recall the many ways in which your parents took over your school projects. You, on the other hand, want to encourage your child's confidence in their ability to complete a project independently. The next day, you are at the grocery store when you see a parent of a student in your child's class. That parent has spent over $30 in supplies for the science project and is taking a day off work to put the pieces of the project together.

Scenario 3: You have two jobs: one during the week from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and the other on Saturday from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. You are taking a class that meets from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. and a second class online. You have two kids: one who plays soccer and one who is in band. You have two elderly parents who no longer drive. You have a sibling living nearby, and your other sibling lives in another state. You have two papers due in your classes the same week that one of your children has a soccer tournament and the other has a band concert. You are coaching the soccer team and are in charge of fundraising for the band. You have a goal to complete your degree in two years. Your doctor tells you that your blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight are too high and recommends several medications that cost you nearly $200 per month after your insurance co-pay.

Scenario 4: You are a sales representative for a company that encourages staff to log time in the field and away from the office. You are expected to begin and end your day at the office. You notice that each day when you arrive and return another coworker is already there, and you wonder whether this person spends most of their time at the office. At your weekly sales meeting, you are informed of your coworker's outstanding sales performance. You suspect that this coworker is spending more time flattering the boss instead of working leads in the field and as a result is getting the best client referrals. Your own sales numbers have steadily decreased since this other sales representative was hired.

Scenario 5: Professor's choice: problem scenario presented by your professor.

Scenario 6: Student's choice: your choice of problem scenario.

The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment: Analyze potential solutions to a problem in a given scenario.

Paper For Above Instructions

In this assignment, I have chosen Scenario 1: An individual who has worked for eleven years at their company has returned to college to earn a Bachelor's degree, aiming to increase their chances of promotion. As they near the completion of their degree, a supervisor position in a competing company becomes available, promising a significant salary increase and additional benefits. However, the timing of the position's start contradicts their final exam schedule for the degree they are pursuing. This dilemma encapsulates the challenges of balancing career aspirations, educational commitments, and personal growth.

The core problem in this scenario is the conflict between pursuing immediate economic advancement through a new job and the long-term benefits of completing one’s education. This individual finds themselves at a critical juncture where they must evaluate not only their career objectives but also the value of academic achievement and the support systems available, such as tuition reimbursement from their current employer. This decision involves weighing short-term gains against long-term aspirations, which can profoundly impact their career trajectory and personal life.

To analyze potential solutions to this problem, it is important to consider various factors that can influence the outcome of this decision. One solution could be to negotiate with the new company for a delayed start date, allowing the individual to complete their exams before transitioning to the new role. This approach would demonstrate their commitment to education while also allowing for a seamless transition into the new position. Another potential solution would be to approach their current employer for advice or support regarding the job offer, facilitating a discussion about future opportunities that might arise from their current role or even exploring options for a promotion within the same company once the individual earns their degree.

Furthermore, this situation emphasizes the importance of creating a support network. Seeking guidance from mentors, career counselors, or even discussing the opportunity with trusted colleagues can provide valuable insights. Engaging in such discussions can help the individual gain clarity on their values, priorities, and the implications of their choices. Ultimately, this leads to informed decision-making grounded in both personal and professional aspirations.

In contemplating the ramifications of their decision, the individual must consider the potential impact on their family life and personal well-being. If the immediate demand of the new job creates stress during an already challenging academic period, it may have negative effects on their health and overall satisfaction. Implementing time management strategies could alleviate some of this tension, enabling them to allocate time efficiently between work, study, and personal responsibilities.

In conclusion, Scenario 1 presents a complex set of decisions that intertwine personal ambition with educational integrity. To navigate this, the individual must critically assess their priorities, consider potential solutions, and engage with their professional network to arrive at a decision that honors both their career aspirations and their commitment to education. While immediate career advancement is appealing, the long-term benefits of educational accomplishment may ultimately outweigh the short-term gains offered by the new position. A thoughtful approach to decision-making, along with a robust support network, is essential in managing this challenge successfully.

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