Instructions

Closing the Real Estate Transaction

Choose four terms or concepts that might be used during a Real Estate closing. Write a formal, 6 – 10 page APA formatted research paper explaining the meaning of each term, why it is important, to whom it is important (buyer, seller, real estate agent, closing agent, or lender). List any important issues and concerns or advantages and disadvantages. The Real Estate terms used should illustrate the field’s current terminology.

Some examples of such terms include HUD-1, escrow closing, deed, note, mortgage, marketable title, title search, binder, deed of trust, warranty or other deeds, closing costs, prorated prepaid expenses, transfer tax, etc.Within the paper, the student should include a discussion around career opportunities that exist in the real estate industry and the personal, educational, experiential and licensing requirements that pertain to each. 

Three references are required. 

• Use a header on every page, including the title page. The header should be formatted according to APA guidelines.
• A title page with the title, author, class, class section, professor, and date should be on the title page, centered on the page. This title page does NOT count toward your 6 to 10 page requirement.
• Margins are one inch on all sides.
• All content is double-spaced and left-justified.
• Indent the first line of every paragraph five spaces or use the TAB key. Do not leave extra space between paragraphs.
• Use Times New Roman 12 point font.
• An Executive Summary is required.
• References page must be a separate page at the end of the paper.
• Use APA style guidelines for the paper, including all references and other writing.

 please read the instruction of this exam assignment carefully, below are the assignment and the attached text  book.

Exam Pt I: Argumentative essay consisting of Chapters 1-8.

From one chapter, select one historical issue, question, or problem and write a pro or con argumentative essay. Repeat for all assigned chapters.

1. Incorporate one quote that supports your argument for each chapter. Cite: “Wars are often fought….(59).”   Page # in parenthesis.  No Works Cited.
2. Combine all chapters in one MS Word.docx. QC using Grading Rubric.  Open Exam, click ‘Submit Assignment’, paste exam in the ‘Text Entry’ box, click ‘Submit Assignment’.

Rubric

Essay Exam EvaluationEssay Exam EvaluationCriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePurpose Student writing is focused on meeting the purpose of the paper and follows instructor directions.  Articulates an effective statement of purpose for the paper.  Stays on topic throughout the paper. 

 Creates an effective and convincing analysis.  Demonstrates critical thinking skills.25.0 pts20.0 pts18.0 pts15.0 pts0.0 pts25.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSupport Student uses effective and appropriate sources.  Uses relevant examples, evidence, etc. as support.  Balances student ideas with outside ideas.  Integrates ideas into the paper.25.0 pts20.0 pts18.0 pts15.0 pts0.0 pts25.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization Student organizes work seamlessly and logically.  Creates an introduction that establishes purpose and context.  Uses fully developed paragraphs.  Develops a logical conclusion.25.0 pts20.0 pts18.0 pts15.0 pts0.0 pts25.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStyle/Form Student cites sources using instructor’s designated system.  Conveys ideas concisely and consistently.  Proofs for grammar, mechanics, spelling, and word usage.  Uses appropriate academic tone and language.  Provides a 1000+ total word Essay Exam. Minus points 25 if below 1000 words. Minus 25 points if you use Wikipedia as a source. Minus 25 points if you use any sources except the Course Textbook for Essay Exams.25.0 pts20.0 pts18.0 pts15.0 pts0.0 pts25.0 pts

The assignment is to write an abstract (a 200 to 350-word summary of your paper topic and argument, including a proposed title) and identify five academic references. The professor and TA will give feedback on your abstract and references, so that you can make improvements to your paper topic and argument afterwards.

Topic – You can select any topic, as long as it is related to “global pandemics”. You can choose to focus on a specific pandemic disease (even one that we did not focus on in the class), or you can examine a few similar or different diseases as examples for your discussion of a specific topic. In order to think about various topics that you could discuss, think about the various themes that we examine and discuss in relation to each disease (e.g. globalization, modernization, inequality, etc.). For your abstract, what is important is that you make sure to clearly state what is the question you are examining in your paper, and what is the argument you plan to develop. Make sure your topic and question(s) are not too broad or vague. If you are not sure about how to formulate a question and argument for our paper, if you are not sure about how to write them as an abstract, or if you have any other questions about this assignment, come to office hours with the professor and/or the TA this week, or reach out to us over Canvas message or email to ask for support.

References  – You need to cite 5 academic references (e.g. journal articles and academic book chapters) in addition to any texts you might find useful to cite from the syllabus. You can cite more references if you would like, and you can also cite additional non-academic references (journalistic sources, etc.). DO NOT cite the lectures from our class, you need to learn how to research, identify, and work with academic texts (e.g. journal articles and academic book chapters). You do NOT need to annotate the references (just listing the references you plan to use is fine) at this stage. You will be able to add and remove references later as needed, the point here is to make sure you have gotten started identifying real academic texts that can be useful for your final paper.

Reference and citation format – You can use any reference style that you like (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.), as long as it is consistent. The format is not so important, what really matters is that you use proper citation practices when you write your final research paper. Please contact the writing resource center for support with ample time in advance of your submission of the final paper. Also, if you use non-English references, you need to translate them into English and include the references in the original language.

Other information and Submission – You need to include your full name, name of the class, proposed title of your final paper together with the abstract and references. You will have three times to submit your assignment before the extended due date. 

Please note that all the submissions will be scanned in Turn-it-in.

This assignment will be based on this scenario.

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Scenario: Red Carpet LLC

Red Carpet LLC is a national hospitality and entertainment company with headquarters in Philadelphia, PA with national operations in the US. Historically, the company has had 3 divisions: hotels, food service, and cruise lines. However, it recently completed the acquisition of Sparkstar theaters, a movie theater company, that it is slated to become its 4th division. Red Carpet now owns 200 hotels in 48 states, 4 brands of restaurants with 1776 locations, 4 Buoy Bay branded cruise ships, and 300 Sparkstar theaters.

Its matrix organizational structure consists of a central HR, accounting, business development, sales, marketing, and research and development departments located at the headquarters in Philadelphia that serve each division. Each division is located in a different part of the US and lead by a VP that reports to the President and CEO. The company is privately owned by a consortium of investors and investor groups.

Red Carpet has 16,000 employees, 1000 of which work at its corporate headquarters. The organizational culture of the headquarters is informal and organic and there are few policies and processes that guide employee behavior. The company, as a whole, does not value HR so employees struggle with many employee relations and employment law concerns. The company outsources all of its training to one of the investor group companies, however this training is commonly not customized to the needs of Red Carpet.

As a whole, Red Carpet struggles with its business to business partners and suppliers because of its reputation for being nonnegotiable. Red Carpet would rather disrupt the quality and availability of its only products and services rather than partner for the supply chain resources availability of its only products and services rather than partner for the supply chain resources that it needs. Likewise, Red Carpet does not hold many of the General Managers in its hotels, restaurants, and its cruise ships accountable for performance, opting instead for a weaker political strategy of blaming and gotcha games.

Being aware of these challenges, Red Carpet acquired Sparkstar for their strong industry reputation and financial performance in the hopes that merging the structure and culture of Sparkstar into Red Carpet would change the organization for the better. Historically, Red Carpet has been a highly successful company, however in recent years, its mismanagement has created noticeable effectives in product and service quality and its bottom line. 

Divisions

Hotels: Red Carpet branded hotels are mid-price semi-luxury hotels known for high quality. Each customer is given a red velvet cupcake upon checking in. Red Carpet relies on its General Managers to micromanage the hotel. Despite its corporate parent owning a restaurant division, no Red Carpet hotels have restaurants. The Red Carpet division headquarters are in Sedona AZ. Many of the hotels are in need of refurbishment.

Food Service: Chicken Heaven is a fast-food chain with a long tradition of quality, large customer base, and 1000 locations. It is a solid overall performer for Red Carpet with high employee satisfaction. Burger Blast is another fast-food chain recently launched to cater to upscale customers who seek customized, gourmet-style burgers. It has 200 locations, however General Managers are struggling with budget and supplies causing a poor customer experience and high employee turnover. Food Park is a buffet-style restaurant with 500 locations that has been recently struggling because of high competition and poor marketing.  Delicacy is a high-end restaurant with an urban theme. It has 76 locations, is the oldest of Red Carpet’s food service operations, and provides a unique dining experience for customers. However, General Managers have a high turnover at Delicacy because of the grueling schedule. The food service division is located in Burke, ID.

Cruise Ships: Buoy Bay cruise ships offer low-cost, short-term cruises from Port Canaveral, FL only to the US Virgin Islands. Buoy Bay offers customers average quality staterooms and food from Chicken Heaven, Burger Blast, and Food Park. However, it does not offer a non-buffet formal dining option such as Delicacy. Although they are known for their over-the-top entertainment, employee turnover is very high relying primary on seasonal employees who are poorly trained. Buoy Bay has had much controversy. Just 5 years ago, the Buoy Bay cruise ship, Garland of the Sails, hit a reef, partially sank, and had to be salvaged in a 1.5 billion dollar operation. This resulted in a Federal investigation that is still pending. The Buoy Bay division is located in Lapsowanne, OR.

Movie Theaters: Sparkstar theaters were recently purchased from the Vegamega group for 2.3  billion dollars. Sparkstar is the highest rated movie theater chain the US. It has high customer and employee satisfaction, an efficient organizational structure, and solid financial results. Sparkstar’s culture is one of high HR involvement including a strong training and development department, Sparkstar Institute. Sparkstar has a customer rewards program that provides a free movie rental of the film that the customer saw in the theater which has been very popular and has increased its strong customer base. Sparkstar has its divisional headquarters in Pasadena, CA.

The Issues

With the purchase of Sparkstar theaters, Red Carpet is hoping to redefine its operations in the next 5 years. It sees opportunities to integrate its divisions, products, and services to better serve its customers and employees. Here is a summary of some of the issues that Red Carpet must address in its strategic plan:

• Internal politics and communication 
• Improved HR and training 
• Employee relations issues 
• Federal investigations 
• Product and service quality 
• Marketing support 
• Performance issues 
• Redefining the organizational structure 
• Improving its organizational culture 
• Integrating products and services 
• Resource and supply chain issues

Your Role 

Leroy Banks, the Director of Change management at Red Carpet is seeking an Organization Development Consultant to address Red Carpet’s need for change. You’ve just received a consulting contract from him to help prepare a plan to assist Red Carpet. You’re excited about the opportunity and are motivated to work on this project. You know that your insight will assist Red Carpet with managing organizational change

Answer The Following Questions: Deliverable Length:   400–600 words

Additional Information:

Leroy Banks is the Director of Change Management for Red Carpet, a national hospitality and entertainment company. He has contracted you to be an OD Consultant because Red Carpet has recently acquired a movie theater company and needs to manage the change process. External forces for change are those that come from an organization’s outside environment. Internal forces for change are those that arise from employees within the organization. Leroy has asked you to begin by assessing forces for change.

Review the Red Carpet scenario for this course and with your classmates; discuss the following:

• Identify and describe an example of an external force for change. 
• Identify and describe an example of an internal force for change. 
• In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges of being in the role of an OD Consultant at Red Carpet? 

Essay Writing Tips

Choose either Topic A or Topic B or Topic C. To answer these topics completely, it takes a minimum of 2 pages – 8-10 paragraphs.  A complete, thoughtful answer is more important than word count.

Topic A:

What is the fallacy of Straw Man? How is it different than simply disagreeing with someone else’s point of view?Use the material in Vaughn’s book to help you give a detailed explanation of what the mistake in a Straw Man is. To demonstrate your understanding and to teach the idea to the rest of the class, provide a  relevant real-life example of the logical mistake. ( You MAY use an outside source to help you present your example; be sure to summarize or paraphrase, cite, and use announcing verbs.) Choose carefully – consider whether your example does a good job of illustrating a Straw Man. Compare it to similar fallacies, and show why your example is a Straw Man rather than another fallacy like an Appeal to the Person, Red Herring, or Appeal to Popularity. The discussion of your example should be detailed so that readers can evaluate the fallacy. Argue the case for why your example is an example of Straw Man.

Topic B:

Describe Clifford’s view or other arguments against believing in God without sufficient evidence. Describe William James’ response to this “evidentialism” in his essay “The Will to Believe.” Why does James think belief in God is justifiable? How do critics of James, like Michael Martin, respond to Jame’s view that we should believe in God based on personal “religious experience”?

Topic C:

Describe the Buddhist four noble truths. Relate these, especially “dukkha” (suffering), to the Buddhist beliefs in “anicca” (impermanence) and “anatta” (no-self).