The Brocks are assessing their health insurance coverage. Since Josh’s current employer offers him only 30 days of sick leave, they need to consider this factor when assessing disability insurance plans.

Since Pam’s work activities have varied, the family is dependent on Josh’s health insurance. In recent weeks, his company is considering several types of plans. These alternatives include traditional health insurance programs and HMOs, with a wide variety of coverage and cost differences.

Both Pam and Josh Brock are pleased with their lives and various family activities. They now have three children, are enjoying their home, and are more financially secure than six years ago. Yet the Brocks still have financial needs they must address.

Several changes have affected their financial planning. The value of their home has increased due to inflation and home improvements. They have purchased a used car to meet additional transportation needs. These situations must be considered in relation to insurance needs for the Brock household.

 

Life Situation

Financial Data

Pam, 36
Josh, 38
3 Children, ages 9, 7 and 4

Financial Data

Monthly income$4,300/ Living expenses$4,075/ Assets$50,850/ Liabilities$99,520

Q1. How should the Brocks determine whether they have enough insurance coverage for their home?

Part 1

Use the Stage-Gate model (Links to an external site.) to develop a theoretical new product or service. Some of your businesses might be service based, so you may have to be creative in thinking about a new project. If you have any problems thinking of a product or service idea, please let me know and I’ll help you think of one. Here is another resource on the model. While you will not actually be creating a new product, you can still detail the requirements for each stage as well as the metrics you will use to make a decision to continue to the next stage or stop the project. Since this is a theoretical exercise, you can make assumptions while completing each phase.

In short, the Stage-Gate model has the following six phases:

Stage 0: Discover. In this phase, you think of a new product or service idea.

Stage 1: Scoping. This is where you evaluate the idea on its viability and marketability. A SWOT analysis is often used for this phase.

Stage 2: Building a Business Case. Further define the product, the manufacturing requirements, a project plan, and estimated revenues.

Stage 3: Development. A prototype or prototypes are developed.

Stage 4: Testing and Validation. The prototype is tested. If there is a problem, the team goes back to the development stage. If it works, the product can be prepared for Stage 5.

Stage 5: Launch. A marketing strategy is developed and the product is made available to customers.

How about a real-world example? Here’s a Stage-Gate approach from the Centers for Disease Control (Links to an external site.). Note how much more complex it is compared to the version we use in this course. It is included here just so you can get an idea of how much this model can expand and be used not only for product development but also project management. IT may also give you ideas of items to include in your Stage-Gate assignment.

Part 2

Create a 5 slide presentation that outlines the different kinds of innovations described in the supplemental reading (product, process, and business model). You can supplement your description using chapter 9 from the Entrepreneurship e-book. On the fourth slide, provide a real-world example of each innovation type. On the fifth slide, describe how market research can be integrated in the Stage-Gate model.

Rubric

Module 4: Product InnovationModule 4: Product InnovationCriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePart 1: Complete Stage Gate Exercise20.0 ptsFull Marks0.0 ptsNo Marks20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePart 2: Create a 5 slide presentation10.0 ptsFull Marks0.0 ptsNo Marks10.0 pts
Total Points: 30.0PreviousNext

In order to earn the maximum number of points- you need to follow this instruction sheet as closely as possible.  The point on plagiarism is especially important: Committing plagiarism, whether copying word-for-word from the course text, the internet or any other source, can result in a flat F for the course, and your information will be sent to the administration for disciplinary measures.

A prisoner is captured who might know where a nuclear bomb is hidden in North America.  The prisoner is not talking, but there is always the option of using torture. 

Write a script or narrative (i.e., for T.V.) where three out of the following five individuals—an Ethical Relativist, a Divine Command Theorist, a Utilitarian, a Kantian ethicist and a Virtue ethicist—are arguing about what to do in this situation.

Make sure you make the central ideas of each position apparent (for instance, at some point the Utilitarian should state the Utilitarian formula). 

Moreover:  One of the three individuals you choose must win the argument.  In other words, your script needs a hero. 

As you write this essay, keep the following in mind:

1)  The only resources you may use for this essay is the course text and your brain.  Do NOT use any other source (no library books, no internet articles).

2)  None of the gimmicks high-school students use to make the essay look longer.  No narrow margins, no huge fonts, no big spaces between paragraphs.  If I see any of these gimmicks, I will take points off of your score.

3)  DO NOT QUOTE THE COURSE TEXT.  Everything has to be in your own words!!!!

4)  No rush jobs!!!  Don’t hand me a skimpy little essay and expect a high score.  You have to write as carefully as possible- I will be looking at your grammar and spelling as well.

5)  Enjoy writing the essay:  The best way to do this assignment is to get interested in the topic.  I can always tell the difference between something passionately written, and something merely done as an assignment.