Reading Assignment: Read the case study - "BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division". Directions for obtaining the case study are given below. Writing Assignment # 1 - 100 points value: This week we will be working on Writing Assignment # 1 instead of the regular homework assignment. This assignment involves reading a case study and answering discussion questions relating to the case. Material from Chapters 1-7 of the course text should be particularly helpful, but you are encouraged to use relevant material from the entire course as needed. Other than the course text, you should utilize the case study, your own experience, and additional references as needed. Considerable thought should be given to these questions and a well-rounded discussion should be provided. References: At least 2 references should be provided other than the course text. Use the parenthetical citing method for referencing where you list the author (or publication name if an author is not given) along with the date of publication at the point in your writing where the material was used. A complete reference of the work using APA guidelines should be listed in a reference section at the end of the assignment. Simply listing a website as a reference with no author, title, publication identification, or date is not considered an acceptable reference. Use credible references from peer reviewed articles or from respected organizations and publications. Do not use Wikipedia as a source. Formatting: Writing Assignment # 1 is not a term paper and other than references only a few formatting issues will be specified. Respond to the questions in the order they are asked and identify each response by its corresponding question number. List each question before providing an answer. Each response should be double spaced and approximately page in length. Include a reference section at the end of the paper. The final length of this assignment should be between 2 and 3 double spaced pages (not including the reference section). Grading: Writing Assignment # 2 will primarily be graded based on the clarity, accuracy, and insight provided in your responses. Be sure to consider the material we have covered in the course text, your experience, and references from other sources where appropriate. Answer each question directly and provide appropriate discussion. Your writing should be concise so that it answers each question thoroughly, but within a minimum amount of space. Referencing and grammar will also be considered in the grading.

Obtaining the Case Study: You will need to purchase this case online from Harvard Business Publishing for $4.25. The following link will direct you to the case: https://hbsp.harvard.edu/import/1037238

(If you have problems with the link you may need to cut and paste it directly into your browser) Provide a user name and password and you will then be allowed to enter the TCM 710 area and purchase and download the case: "BoldFlash: Cross-Functional Challenges in the Mobile Division". If you have problems getting the case, please call Harvard Business Publishing at: (800) 545-7685.

Writing Assignment # 1 - Questions: After reading the assigned case, answer the following questions as specified above. You are not required to return this assignment file. Return the questions and your responses in a new Word file. (Be sure to number the questions and include your name at the top - 100 points total)

25 points - A lack of communication and input from various parts of the organization is causing significant problems for this company. Identify the critical gaps in communication that are adversely affecting the mobile division of BoldFlash. Be specific concerning the area of the company, department, or specific person involved in the lack of communication. I have started your list by providing three examples. Please add to this list with another 5-7 entries that address the critical gaps in communication identified in the case study. Each entry should be 1 - 2 sentences maximum as I have demonstrated below.

The Ontario plant manager claims that corporate management does not ask the individual production plants for input. The Ontario Plant Manager describes one-way communication where corporate management dictates production quantity, product mix, and schedule. Product Development requests special production runs for trial products without consulting with the plants concerning possible disruptions to production commitments and overall operations.

50 points - Building on your identified gaps in communication from question 1), develop a communication plan that will address significant communication shortfalls identified in the case. Present your communication plan in tabular form. The following resources should be helpful in developing your plan: I have posted an example template for a communication plan in the course information tab of Blackboard (this is for reference, you are free to modify the plan as needed). Also d.o a n internet search for additional examples of communication plans. Read the article cited below for further background information. You should be able to find the article by doing an internet search for the title: Managing communications effectively and efficiently - PMI

Abudi, G. (2013). Managing communications effectively and efficiently. Paper presented at PMI Global Congress 2013North America, New Orleans, LA. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute.

Be sure to address at least the following items for each specific communication listed in your plan. What information is to be communicated? Type of communication - Interactive, push or pull (include at least one of each in your plan). Format - specific method of communication (email, video conference, newsletter, etc.). How often is the information to be communicated? Who is responsible for issuing the information? Audience - who receives the information? The purpose or intended result of the communication.

25 points There are conflicting performance metrics between the different groups in this case. How are these differences in measuring performance contributing to the Mobile Division's problems? (include specific performance measures and relate them to specific problems in the case) How should Roger Cahill run the next quarterly product development meeting to ensure a more productive meeting with clearer outcomes? (Include specific suggestions that relate to issues in the case and concepts learned in the course.)