FIN 330 Module Three Journal Guidelines and Rubric
Overview: This journal activity is private between you and the instructor. In this course, journal activities allow you to simulate actual activities in the field of finance. For example, you are asked to create emails related to specific scenarios. The sender, recipient, and subject line for these emails are not a focus of this activity. Instead, this activity focuses on the substance within the body of the email itself. Prompt: Prior to completing this activity, review the articles 5 Types of Company Mergers, The Advantages of Business Combinations, and When Retailers Make Strange Bedfellows. In this scenario, imagine that you are the financial manager of a major corporation. The CEO has asked you to explain the reasons to consider different types of business combinations, and ways to structure them (joint ventures, mergers, strategic alliances, and more). You, as the financial manager, should compose an email with this explanation. Assume the CEO is not a finance expert. Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed:
I. Explain the reasons to consider different types of business combinations.
II. Describe different ways to structure business combinations.
III. Utilize vocabulary and explanations suitable for a non-expert in finance to understand the communication.
Rubric Guidelines for Submission: Your journal assignment must be 5–6 paragraphs in length and must address all of the critical elements. Your assignment should use at least two sources cited in APA format. Consider using required readings as well as recent news articles.
Critical Elements Exemplary (100%) Proficient (85%) Needs Improvement (55%) Not Evident (0%) Value Types of Business
Combinations
Meets “Proficient” criteria and demonstrates a deep understanding of the topic
Explains the reasons to consider different types of business combinations
Explains the reasons to consider different types of business combinations, but explanation is inaccurate and/or incomplete
Does not explain the reasons to consider different types of business combinations
30
Ways to Structure Business
Combinations
Meets “Proficient” criteria and provides an insightful description
Describes different ways to structure business combinations
Describes different ways to structure business combinations, but description is inaccurate and/or incomplete
Does not describe different ways to structure business combinations
30
http://www.mbda.gov/blogger/mergers-and-acquisitions/5-types-company-mergers
http://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/advantages-business-combinations-16104.html
Suitable for a Non-Expert
Meets “Proficient” criteria and provides a clear and concise explanation that is easily understood
Utilizes vocabulary and explanations suitable for a non- expert in finance to understand the communication
Utilizes vocabulary and explanations suitable for a non- expert in finance to understand the communication, but is overly technical or unclear in one or more area
Does not utilize vocabulary and explanations suitable for a non- expert in finance to understand the communication
30
Articulation of Response
Meets “Proficient” criteria and is presented in a professional and easy-to-read format
Journal assignment is well- organized, clear, concise, convincing, and free of spelling, syntax or grammar errors, with relevant sources that are authoritative and properly cited
Journal assignment has major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization that negatively impact readability and articulation of main ideas
Journal assignment has critical errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization that prevent understanding of ideas
10
Total 100%
