Giving and Receiving Constructive Feedback
Respond to the following annotated bibliographies by noting a minimum of two strengths and two areas in which the bibliography could be improved. Give specific suggestions for improvement. Consider both the content and writing clarity in your evaluation.
Annotated Bibliography 1
Advances in Leadership Development: An Annotated Bibliography
Aggarwal, R., & Goodell, J. W. (2014). Personal Leadership Development in International
Business. Journal Of Teaching In International Business, 25(1), 1-4.
The authors discuss what they see as a weakness in international business education. Specifically, they feel that the fundamental curriculum in most business programs does not prepare students to perform successfully in the global marketplace. Citing recent studies they note an awareness of this weakness in leadership training beginning as early as the 1980s.
The authors outline the failures in curricula, but their agenda here is simply to introduce a collection of articles featured in a particular issue of the Journal of Teaching in International Business. Whereas they set up the articles that address issues of teaching international business and provide a useful literature review, there is little else as far as solutions. The criteria for article selection are not discussed; therefore, an editorial agenda could be in place.
Aggarwal and Goodell point to some potentially valuable sources in their literature review, and this may be of value. However, as this is merely an editorial and introduction, it provides little in the way of analysis.
Jamison, D. (2010). Leadership and Professional Development: An Integral Part of the Business
Curriculum. Business Education Innovation Journal, 2(2), 102-111.
The author takes a socioeconomic stance on the preparedness of business students, suggesting that individuals from blue-collar backgrounds are disadvantaged by their lack of exposure to professional environments. The study’s goal was to develop a model curriculum that would include skills that are generally acquired by the type of professional exposure more common to individuals from more advantaged backgrounds. The model addressed the development of these soft skills by identifying core competencies required of such a curriculum and suggesting course content to address them. The program under review was the Leadership and Professional Development Program at South Carolina State University.
Though the author points to the growth and expansion of the program’s offerings, this does not address the issue of quantifiable or qualifiable outcomes. In addition, the test group’s limitations, both regional and demographic are not taken into account.
Though this study had inherent weaknesses, it provided a solid framework for a soft-skill focused curriculum that might address gaps in the preparedness of business students as they enter the work force. Further study might extend this by focusing on different regions of the country or including a cultural or gender-based element.
Smit, A. (2013). Responsible leadership development through management education: A
business ethics perspective. African Journal of Business Ethics, 7(2), 45-51.
The author takes an ethical stance on the development of future leaders suggesting that there is more to the equation than simply the creation of successful individuals. The key to the future, Smit suggests, is a curriculum that adds a focus on ethics and personal accountability and responsibility. Smit sees a global or planetary responsibility on the part of business leaders and finds the answer in the university classroom. The author pointed to a significant study that claimed that the business education of the past created much of the negligent and negative business practices of the present. The author argued for curriculum that takes into account the 50 + 20 Agenda, which re-examines business education norms of the past 50 years and pays respect to the 1992 Rio Earth Summit.
Smit’s approach is far-reaching and altruistic; however, it assumes the possibility of collaboration and agreement between decidedly diverse groups. The theory is sound and draws attention to the need for less focus on the individual and greater focus on society.
While the study had a visionary perspective, it did not outline entirely unreachable goals. Elements of Smit’s proposal should be taken into account when developing a broader-based and more effective business curriculum for future business leaders.
Annotated Bibliography 2
Annotated Bibliography on Innovation
ENTREPRENEUR PRESS, & Sandlin, E. (2014). Need Clients? The 5 Best Ways to Market Your Consulting Business. Retrieved October 25, 2015, from http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/233303
The article focuses on 5 ways that an entrepreneur can market a new consulting business. The authors relay that marketing services is not the same as selling a product. In the case of a consulting business, the task is harder because the potential customers may not even be aware that they need the services. The conventional methods focused on in the article are direct mail, cold calls, advertising, newsletters and referrals. This strategies are ideal because they offer grounds that facilitate reaching new clients, the target market and many potential clients. The information offers effective and proven methods that an entrepreneur can start with in a bid to attract new clients to the business. The article expounds on the methods and clearly elaborates what the methods entail and what entrepreneurs should expect.
The article has been written by Eileen Figure Sandlin who is a business writer and then edited by professionals at Entrepreneur. The authors have in depth knowledge of business and are experts in various business related fields such as entrepreneurship. Sandlin is a recognized and well-established author who has written numerous books and business related articles. She also teaches Business Communication Methods at Walsh College. Her experience and educational background makes her a credible source for business articles.
The article relays industry-specific information that is highly beneficial when starting a business. The information is supported by lessons learned, expert interviews and success secrets from people in business in the industry. The sources are credible which helps in making the article spot on, informative and accurate.
Field, A. (2010). 7 Tips For Taking Your Business International. Retrieved October 25, 2015, from http://www.businessinsider.com/7-tips-to-help-your-business-take-on-the-world-2010-11
The article 7 Tips For Taking Your Business International by Anne Field, highlights and expounds on several tips that are helpful for businesses that want to expand to different countries. The author states that international expansion is the key to significant growth. Once businesses expand to different countries, they get access to growing economies and enjoy the benefits of serving varied markets. Some of the things that business people that want to go global should consider is diversity. It is reflected in the different cultures and languages. It is also equally important to take note of regulations which vary from one country to another. Businesses have to take time to choose the right local distributor. Venturing into new territory is not cheap hence entrepreneurs should be ready to meet the costs. In line with the article, entrepreneurs should choose the market carefully, focus on a wide range of sources when it comes to choosing distributors, ensure that they meet their distributors in person, create a good contract and plan ahead among other things.
Anne Field is a freelance writer who is well known for writing good and informative business articles. She has written articles for big publication firms such as the New York Times, CNNMoney.com, and Business Week just to mention a few. She is well-versed with business related topics which makes her views insightful.
The information has been sourced from the industry. These includes leaders in the field, and businesses that are involved in international business. The information gives a good picture of what is involved and aspects that are important for an entrepreneur that wants to expand into international markets. The limitation of the article is that it was written in 2010. Since that time some of the things highlighted such as international service fee rates may have changed or may have been adjusted. This means that a reader still has to carry out more research to get current information.
Rosenberg, D. (2012). The Rise Of The Consultant-Turned-Entrepreneur. Retrieved October 25, 2015, from http://www.forbes.com/sites/women2/2012/02/08/the-rise-of-the-consultant-turned-entrepreneur/
The article stipulates that the experience a person has as a consultant is valuable and relevant to an entrepreneurs’ success. The author posits that consulting is immensely important in the start-up of a business. The article focuses on valuable consulting skills from the perspective of ex-consultants who ventured and started their own businesses. The general consensus is that consulting skills are beneficial in starting up a business regardless of the stage a company is in or the industry. Multiple stages have been focused on and emphasized as important. These are namely the idea stage, the developmental phase, the growth stage and the Caveat. The article expounds on the stages, in line with what is involved and vital aspects that will contribute to making the business successful. The article basically sheds light on the importance of consulting in entrepreneurship.
The author Dana Rosenberg works at Health Tap as a Community Development Lead. She in charge of marketing, branding, PR and user acquisition and engagement. She formerly also worked as a consultant where she was tasked with the responsibility of advising clients regarding acquisition and product commercialization opportunities and target screening. Her background and experience makes her well-versed with business and is better placed to shed light on business practices.
The information for the article was sourced from primary sources through interviews. The individuals interviewed are experts in their respective fields. They have been in business for years and have extensive experience. These aspects place them at a good position to give a clear account of what business involves. The article is informative to entrepreneurs because it offers varied perspectives regarding how to start a business. The information analysed is also sourced from experts in the field which provides ideas and multiple angles on how businesses can be started. This is in relation to the things that should be focused on and that have a high likelihood of making sure that a start-up is successful.
Utecht, S. (2013). Starting Your Small Business: An Entrepreneur’s Guide.
The article Starting Your Small Business: An Entrepreneur’s Guide was written by Shawn Utecht. It a guide that is meant to help an entrepreneur who wishes to start a business. It highlights that owning a business has many benefits but there are also some challenges and risks that a person should be prepared to encounter. The guide is beneficial because it helps an entrepreneur to find resources, grasp potential challenges and gain a thorough understanding of the process of starting a business. The article covers all the key essential factors and aspects that entrepreneurs should be aware of. It is informative and comprehensive which helps a person to get an idea of what business entails and key areas that entrepreneurs should focus on if they want to succeed.
Shawn Utetch, the author is a manager of employer relations. He works at the College of Business at Colorado State University. He is a counsellor who is nationally certified and has extensive experience in career services. He has a diverse background in industry, non-profit work and education. He has also consulted on a wide range of projects in different regions around the world which makes him fully capable of analysing business on an international level. His background, educational qualifications and experience make him fully equipped to handle and give advice on business.
Data collection was based on a review of secondary sources from credible avenues. The information was sourced from peer-reviewed sources and government sites. These include the US Census Bureau, the IDC, Small business administration, and Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index. The article is detailed yet simple. The author focused on the relevant data that would be able to give a reader a comprehensive account of what entrepreneurship entails. Some of the aspects that have been focused on are things that are essential to starting a business in line with the qualities, skills, level of preparation, and expectations that one should have. It also highlights the trends and facts of the industry and the value of having a good plan. In addition, several resources that have valuable information on the topic have also been mentioned which a reader can look into if one intends to get more data and they can help in extensive planning and research.