Business

Week 2
Discussion Question 1. “Capitalism is directed towards the pursuit of profits and unions are directed towards the rights of workers.” Discuss how these opposing viewpoints can be advantageous, yet destructive, to the business community.  (Written in 300 words Due 09/11/14)
Discussion Question 2. A basic requirement of unions is that members give up their individual rights (e.g., raises based on performance) to benefit the collective (e.g., cost of living increases to all employees). Discuss your opinion on whether this is equitable and fair.  (Written in 300 words Due 09/11/14)
Week 2 Assignment (Due Date 09/14/2014)
In a two-to-three page paper to submit to your instructor, detail the following in relation to the changing landscape of unions: 
•	Discuss how union membership has evolved over the past century. 
•	Evaluate how unions have modified their philosophy to accommodate this shifting landscape. 
•	Propose two reforms unions should consider to broaden their appeal to a workplace environment that is becoming less dependent on the manufacturing sector and in which companies can more easily shift operations overseas to take advantage of lower wage rates. 
The submission must adhere to APA style guidelines
Week 3
Discussion  Question1. Strikes affect the income of members, the reputation of the union, and the financial position of an employer. Describe the circumstances where a strike would be an appropriate bargaining tactic, and where it would be inappropriate. (Due 09/18/14)
Discussion Question 2. Discuss how the use of the grievance and arbitration processes and procedures can enhance the relationship between a union and management, and where it can be destructive.(Due 09/18/14)
Week 3 assignment (09/21/14)
 In a one-to-three page paper, detail the following in relation to contract negotiation: 
•	Describe the knowledge and skill that are critical to the success of a contract negotiator. 
•	Present one strategy an effective negotiator should consider to achieve a more favorable contract (for e.g., to prepare diligently for each negotiation). 
The submission must adhere to APA style. You may find it useful to visit the: United States Department of Labor Statistics and the O*NET Resource Center websites.
Week 4
Discussion Question 1. Assess the circumstances when it would be more appropriate for an organization to follow the comparative norm strategy to determine an employees' wage rate, versus the ability-to-pay or the cost of living strategy. (Due 09/25/14)
Discussion Question 2. Employees who are represented by a union are paid approximately 30% more (in terms of pay and benefit costs) than employees who are not represented by a union. How can an organization, whose employees are represented by a union, remain competitive against an organization whose employees are not represented by a union, when it must commit more monies toward its employees, which often requires lowering its investments in research and development and raising its prices for products and services? (Due 09/ 25/ 14)
Week 5
Discussion Question 1. Unions state that individuals should be free to join, yet then argue that those organizations represented by a union should enforce the agency shop. Illustrate why this is not a contradictory practice and is consistent with U.S. legal principles. (Due 10/02/14)
Discussion Question 2. Analyze and evaluate whether unionized organizations reduce the level of conflict between management and labor, or exacerbate this conflict. Defend your case with appropriate examples. (Due 10/02/14)
Week 5 Final Paper 
Final Paper (Due Date 10/05/14)
Some unions feel that the organization does not compensate its members fairly, or that the organizational working conditions are less than desirable. Conversely, some employers feel that unions interfere with management decisions and impede on a positive relationship between managers and employees. There may be some truth to both perceptions. The Final Paper is intended to provide a detailed explanation of the effective strategies an organization can implement to create and maintain a conducive working relationship with unions, as well as the effective strategies a union can implement to create and maintain a conducive working relationship with management. 
1.	Briefly describe the role of management in an organization. 
2.	Similarly, briefly discuss the role of a union in an organization. 
3.	Finally, present: 
o	A minimum of two strategies/actions an organization can implement to create and maintain a conducive, working relationship with unions. 
o	A minimum of two strategies/actions a union can implement to create and maintain a conducive, working relationship with management. 
Writing the Final Paper 
1.	Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement. 
2.	Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought. 
3.	Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis