Must read attached file before answering questions! Answer each discussion separately!

Your responses to other students? posts should constructively critique their explanations. Support your initial posts and response posts with sound reasoning and relevant examples.

-2 Pages (one for each discussion)

-APA Format andcitations

-2References(one for eachdiscussion)

Discussion 1 Being forthright in communicating the uncertainties in financial projections can be daunting. Nobody wants to be accused of not disclosing the risks or potential variances but, as stated in the topic, the intent is certainly not instill fear of the unknown. I feel the goal in communicating uncertainties should be to qualify those uncertainties with levels of likelihood, and explanations of the impact that the likely variances could have. It is one thing to state that, for example, in a projection that market growth may be negative; but it is probably more desirable to state that, "while market growth may vary, it is unlikely to be flat or negative; there is a greater likelihood of a steady market growth of 2-3% per year. A flat market would result in profit growth of approximately 1% while the expected market growth of 2-3% would see profit expansion closer to 5%." A statement like that acknowledges the unknown, but qualifies the variance and quantifies the impacts. Presentation such as this leaves stakeholders feeling more comfortable and educated on the matter. Much like the manner in which a meteorologist must explain the potential paths or projected tracks of a hurricane (think of the "spaghetti charts" you see, where different models reflect sometimes similar, other times wildly varying tracks for storms); good and informative reporting can leave viewers feeling aware, alert and educated on the potential future while poorly communicated reporting can result in everyone within a 600 mile corridor fearful for their lives. It is all about the context and how one qualifies the unknowns. References Boitnott, J. (2015, June 02). 6 Ways to Make Financial Forecasts More Realistic. Retrieved from https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/246592 Saffo, P. (2007, July 01). Six Rules for Effective Forecasting. Retrieved August 25, 2016, from https://hbr.org/2007/07/six-rules-for-effective-forecasting Discussion 2 I believe that each stakeholder in a company does or should understand that there is no crystal ball when operating in business. In fact, employees and stakeholders themselves should equally responsible to continuously run their own forecasts to help prepare what life throws at them. Today millennials share a set of characteristics that places an emphasis on planning, innovating, and challenging the traditional methods of how things are done. So for starters, I believe the audience has changed and one of the first tactics you could take is resist the temptation to be overly confident in an attempt to try and paint the rosiest picture. Speak to your stakeholders as if they are equally involved in each projection. I believebeing honest and transparent will earn you a much harder to obtain respect amongst individuals whom themselves are knowledgeable of the current environment for which your business operates in. Actually the company that I choose, Green Mountain, Keurig sets a very realistic expectation in the annual proxy statement for 2015 when they mention that they foresee challenging economic times as a result of unfavorable product mix and depreciating strength of the foreign exchange. In summary: Be honest, and set realistic opportunities. Your transparency will net you respect and set accurate expectations that your stakeholder will not stagger from if a downturn occurs. My second tactic which I think should be a staple in any reporting of company projections and in the fabric of abusiness's culture for that fact is constantly reassess and reevaluate the business. Now more than every technology has changed our society, the way people communicate, conduct business, and most significantly, the advances made in a competing market. In my opinion, innovation is how you continuously get better and grow a business. The more your are able to pick up on trends and possible shifts of demand in the market, the better opportunity you have to mitigate against sharp downturns and unforeseen financial losses. In summary: Hold multiple financial projections with stakeholders. Continue to request feedback and encourage contributions. Accepting unfavorable financial news will always be handled better with the shortest of notices than if not forecasted at all. Multiple financial projection (not just quarterly reviews) may help thicken a stakeholders tolerance for bumpier times ahead. King, Rick. The Art of Telling your Story (2002 April) Prepared for Economic Assessment Office Advanced Technology Program National Institute of Standards and Technology