In lieu of a final examination, each student will write an assessment of a publi

In lieu of a final examination, each student will write an assessment of a public service organization (a federal, state, or local government agency, or a nonprofit organization). The study will identify the key management issues facing the organization, assess the structure, culture, and environment of the agency, and make recommendations for change. It is very importantthat the paper relates to the topics, concepts, and issues that we consider in the course. Direct contact with the agency is desirable, but it is not required.
The paper should be a readable, concise document about 5 single-spaced pages in length and with 12-Times New Roman format. Please submit your paper by uploading them in Word format in Canvas. Late submissions will not be accepted.
At a minimum, the agency study should include the following: (the questions suggested are illustrative only, and are not meant to be the only questions you should consider addressing in your analysis):
Current Issues. What are the most important management and leadership issues that face the organization? Why are these the most important issues and how did these issues emerge? What are the obstacles to change that exist in both the external environment and the internal organizational structure and culture? To what extent are the issues identified affected by the external environment (oversight bodies, executives, outside interests)? To what extent are the issues identified influenced by the culture of the organization?
Recommendations for Change. What steps do you recommend be taken by agency leadership and management to address the issues you have identified? What are the pros and cons of alternative strategies? What are the implementation issues to be addressed? Why is your recommended course of action politically and realistically feasible? How would you deploy your strategies to overcome external and internal obstacles to facilitate changes? How will your recommendations help the organization better meet its mission? How would you assure that changes are institutionalized?
The study will be evaluated on the content of the analysis (the clarity of presentation of the issues, the feasibility and practicality of the recommendations, the attention to course topics, etc.) as well as its general presentation (grammar, spelling, writing style, etc.).