3-5 written in essay style, double spaced, and typed. The page limit does not include the references. Your paper should not be over a 12 point font!
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[order_calculator]McDonald’s first opened in 1955, fast food and convenience food restaurant chains have grown into a multi-billion dollar industry. The purpose of your essay is to describe and evaluate TWO TRENDS that have contributed to the success of these chains. When you select two trends you intend to write about, you might consider marketing and adverting, changes in menus, focus on healthy food and growth of sit-down chain.
To assist you in writing project, there is a set of magazine articles that you must read. You may do additional research and include your own experiences eating at these restaurants as well. However extra research is not required
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[order_calculator]READ: Article (can be found at NSU Library) Loo, Robert. (2003) A Meta-Analysis of Police Suicide Rates: Findings and Issues, Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, Suicide & Life Threatening Behavior, 33, 3, 313-325
ASSIGNMENT: Answer the Discussion Questions below. Please post all responses in one posting and include direct references to the textbook and other articles.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: REMBER TO REFERENCE YOUR TEXTBOOK (Handbook of Police Pscyhology by Jack Kitaeff)
1. What common incorrect perceptions about suicide in law enforcement does the meta-analysis data from the Loo article challenge?
2. What evidenced based interventions are recommended for law enforcement?
3. What are two risk factors for suicide that are not “visible” to others?
4. Provide a more recent publication (article, book, or peer reviewed journal) that addresses suicide in law enforcement and share with your class why you chose this publication and why they should read it.
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[order_calculator]Submitting a two paragraphs together total 200 to 300 words. Using the background explains the primary cause of the workflow problem and the negative effects resulting from it. Your task is to make up a realistic plan which solves the uneven productivity between Jack and Ruth. The information is included in the file. No citation is needed.
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[order_calculator]Writing a literature review that focuses on historical background of education in Australia in particular indigenous Australians and the lack of access to education, indigenous education in general/ Tertiary Education and Issues in Indigenous Higher Education for Indigenous Australians/ Indigenous Men and Tertiary Education what does the literature suggest for addressing Indigenous Disadvantage which is a perplex issues in Australia. What are the implications for not addressing disadvantage in tertiary education for indigenous Australians.
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[order_calculator]Simulation
To begin the MGT599 SLP sequence, you first need to first run the simulation using the default Decisions. In other words, use the prices and R&D percentages that are already there (do not change any decisions made by Joe Thomas).
Capture or collect the results for each product (X5, X6, and X7) for each year that you run the simulation. Copy (using Excel, by hand, or some other method) the financial results and marketing results, as well as the information provided by your Advisor.
REQUIRED READING:
Read the following scenario carefully before you proceed:
SCENARIO
It is December 15, 2015. Joe Thomas, the VP of Marketing at Clipboard Tablet Co., is smugly patting himself on the back for how well he has done with pricing and product development on the three products, X5, X6, and X7. Of course, Joe knows his strategy was not creative at all – i.e., he did not change any prices or R&D allocations over the four-year period (actually six years, counting 2010 and 2011). But he is certain that he really did not need to change anything anyway, and that his overall performance is proof of his good work.
Sally Smothers, the CEO of Clipboard Tablet Co., knows better, and she fires Joe (but why did she wait so long?).
You are hired to replace Joe. And now, here you are, on Dec. 15, 2015, as the V.P. of Marketing of the Clipboard Tablet Co. You are ready to move the company ahead into 2016. Your boss, Sally Smothers, expects you to make intelligent and informed product development and pricing decisions (after all, you are an MBA).
Session Long Project
Write a 6- to 7-page paper (not including cover and reference pages), using Sally’s instructions, which follow:
Sally asks you to review the past four to six years to see what was going on in terms of product development, sales, pricing, and performance. You collect all of the data and write a report (your report is due on Sally’s desk by January 2, 2016).
Using the default decisions (i.e., make no changes within the simulation), analyze Joe Thomas’s decisions and results, and then write the report that Sally is requesting. Access the simulation site and collect the data for each year (or you can download a copy of it – see below). Determine where you believe Joe went wrong, and propose a new strategy. Support your revised strategy using financial analysis and relevant business theories.
Simulation link: https://forio.com/simulate/michael.garmon/tablet-development-sim/simulation
KEYS TO THE ASSIGNMENT:
The key aspects to this assignment that are required to be covered in your paper include:
1. A review of each product – X5, X6, and X7 – its life cycle, and how each product stacks up in terms of price and performance.
2. Financial review for each product – X5, X6, and X7 – sales, costs, profitability, prices, unit margins, etc.
3. Market review: New Sales, Repeat Sales, Market Saturation, etc.
4. Propose an alternate strategy: A general idea of how you might do better with these products: what pricing and R&D allocations, etc., you would have put in place over the last four years, 2012 – 2015. In short, what would you have done differently than Joe Thomas at each decision point? Be specific!
SLP Assignment Expectations
Your paper will be evaluated using the grading rubric.
TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS:
Please note the following tips and suggestions:
• Include a cover page and reference page, in addition to the 6-7 pages of written analysis described above.
• Use section headings as appropriate. Use graphs, charts, or figures strategically – but do not use these as “space fillers.” Include large tables or graphics in an Appendix instead.
• Cite and reference all sources that you use in your work, including those that you paraphrase. This means include citations and quotation marks for direct quotes, and citations for that information which you have “borrowed” or paraphrased from other sources.
Required Readings:
Required Reading
The business vision and company mission statement. (2010). QuickMBA. Retrieved on August 27, 2014, from https://www.quickmba.com/strategy/vision/
Garmon, M. (2014). Tablet Development Sim. Retrieved on November 4, 2014 from https://forio.com/simulate/michael.garmon/tablet-development-sim/simulation/
Guidelines for writing the executive summary. (n.d.). High End Finance. Retrieved on August 27, 2014, from https://www.highendfinance.com/CommercialLoans/Docs/07-4%20ES%20Guidelines.doc
Hammonds, K. (2007). Michael Porter’s Big ideas, Fast Company, (44), Retrieved on August 27, 2014, from https://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/44/porter.html
Heathfield, S. M. (2009). Build a strategic framework: mission statement, vision, values. About. Retrieved on August 27, 2014, from https://humanresources.about.com/cs/strategicplanning1/a/strategicplan.htm
Luca, A. M. (2007). Organizational Stakeholders. Power Point Presentation.
Luca, A. M. (2007). Strategic Management. Power Point Presentation.
McNamara, C. (2009). Basics of developing mission, vision and values statements. Free Management Library. Retrieved on August 27, 2014, from https://www.managementhelp.org/plan_dec/str_plan/stmnts.htm
McNamara, C. (2009). Developing your strategic plan. Free Management Library. Retrieved on August 27, 2014, from https://www.managementhelp.org/np_progs/sp_mod/str_plan.htm
Rehman, A. (2014). Cost-Volume-Profit relationship (CVP Analysis). Accounting for Management. Retrieved on August 27, 2014 from https://www.accountingformanagement.com/cost_volume_profit.htm
Stakeholder analysis. (2014). 12 Manage. Retrieved on August 27, 2014 from https://www.12manage.com/methods_stakeholder_analysis.html
The strategic planning process. (2010). Quick MBA. Retrieved on August 27, 201, from https://www.quickmba.com/strategy/strategic-planning/
Welch, J., & Welch, S. (2008). State your business: Too many mission statements are loaded with fatheaded jargon. Play it straight. Bloomberg. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/bw/stories/2008-01-02/state-your-business
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[order_calculator]Your paper should be related to issues discussed in class, within our textbook, which must be cited as on of your references. Sample topics might include: why team-based rewards should be used instead of individual rewards, or why workplace diversity requires a change in the way the company socializes newcomers, why assigning mentors works less well than supporting junior workers efforts to network to senior colleagues.
Keep in mind that many bosses, yours included, may have little professional management training and even less knowledge of social science, so you need to explain the concepts.
Criteria for evaluating your paper will be based on 1) how effectively you marshal the best scientific evidence to make your case, 2) the extent you have made your case in a strong, truthful, and convincing manner, and 3) how well you use facts about the particular organization (again, real or hypothetical) to help you make your case (i.e. case facts).
Remember, evidence-based research includes: meta-analysis of research studies, systematic reviews of research articles, well-controlled longitudinal field studies or randomized controlled interventions, quasi-experimental studies, and cross-sectional studies, or scientific case or narrative studies. Be sure to compare your research to the textual information on your topic.
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[order_calculator]Assignments
To complete this assignment, go to this week’s Final Paper link in the left navigation:
Focus of the Final Paper
For the final paper, you will examine key concepts of leadership in your place of work, or in a social organization to which you may belong that has leadership concepts (Rotary club, athletic team, scout leader, etc). Include the following in your paper:
1.Apply one of the leadership theories from the course text to the organization. Explain how the theory works and include an example.
2.Explain the effect of power and influence that leaders have on followers in the organization. Are the followers receptive? Would you recommend another strategy? Explain your reasoning. If not, why not?
3.Evaluate the role and effectiveness of transformational and transactional leadership in the organization. Support your (claims, points?) with examples (from?).
4.Assess the traits and characteristics of an effective team leader within the organization.
5.Explain how the leadership supports vision, mission, and strategy in the organization.
6.If you were the leader in the organization, what would you change and why?
Writing the Final Paper
The Final Paper:
1.Must be eight to ten double-spaced pages in length (excluding the title and reference pages), and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
2.Must include a title page with the following: ◦Title of paper
◦Student’s name Nekeisha Shosan
◦Course name and number MGT 380
◦Instructor’s name Professor Carol Jone
◦Date submitted
3.Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.
4.Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
5.Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
6.Must use at least three scholarly sources (other than the text), including a minimum of one from the Ashford Online Library.
7.Must document all sources in APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
8.Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.
GRADING RUBERIC BELOW
Description:
Total Possible Score: 30.00
Applies and Explains One Leadership Theory
Total: 3.50
Distinguished – Expertly applies one of the leadership theories by fully explaining how the theory works and includes at least one detailed, relevant example. Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the theory.
Proficient – Accurately applies one of the leadership theories by providing a sufficient explanation of how the theory works and includes a relevant example. Demonstrates a sufficient understanding of the theory.
Basic – Applies one of the leadership theories by providing a rudimentary explanation of how the theory works and includes an example that may not be completely relevant. Demonstrates a rudimentary understanding of the theory.
Below Expectations – Attempts to explain one of the leadership theories. Explanation may be lacking in substance, contain a completely irrelevant example, or contain no example at all. Demonstrates a lack of understanding of the theory.
Non-Performance – The paper is either nonexistent or fails to apply one of the leadership theories, explain how the theory works and provide an example.
Power and Influence of Leader
Total: 4.50
Distinguished – Provides a fully developed and expertly crafted analysis of the power and influence the leader has on followers. Includes the reaction from followers and the possibility of alternatives. Expertly applies the concepts of leadership from the text.
Proficient – Provides a sufficiently developed analysis of the power and influence the leader has on followers. Includes the reaction from followers and the possibility of alternatives. Sufficiently applies the concepts of leadership from the text.
Basic – Provides an analysis of the power and influence the leader has on followers. Analysis includes the reaction from followers and the possibility of alternatives, but is not fully developed. Shows a rudimentary application of the concepts of leadership from the text.
Below Expectations – Attempts to provide an analysis of the power and influence the leader has on followers. Analysis is underdeveloped, does not include the reaction of followers, and/or the possibility of alternatives. Shows little application of the concepts of leadership from the text.
Non-Performance – The paper is either nonexistent or fails to provide an analysis of the power and influence the leader has on followers.
Evaluate Transformational and Transactional Leadership
Total: 4.50
Distinguished – Thoroughly evaluates the role and effectiveness of transactional and transformational leadership, providing detailed and specific examples. Answer displays an expert understanding of both transactional and transformational leadership.
Proficient – Evaluates the role and effectiveness of transactional and transformational leadership, providing relevant examples. Some relevant details are missing. Answer displays a sufficient understanding of both transactional and transformational leadership.
Basic – Evaluates the role and effectiveness transactional and transformational leadership using general examples. Many relevant details are missing. Answer displays a rudimentary understanding of both transactional and transformational leadership.
Below Expectations – Attempts to provide an evaluation of the role and effectiveness of transactional and transformational leadership. Uses vague or inapplicable examples.
Non-Performance – The paper is either nonexistent or fails to evaluate the role of transformational and transactional leadership.
Assess the Traits of an Effective Team Leader
Total: 4.50
Distinguished – Expertly assesses the traits and characteristics of an effective team leader by providing relevant and specific examples. Applies specific concepts covered in the text.
Proficient – Assesses the traits and characteristics of an effective team leader by providing relevant, but general, examples. Applies concepts covered in the text, but details are missing.
Basic – Assesses the traits and characteristics of an effective team leader by providing examples that may not be completely relevant. Applies general concepts covered in the text, but their applicability is not entirely clear.
Below Expectations – Attempts to assess the traits and characteristics of an effective team leader. Does not include any examples or includes irrelevant examples. Does not apply concepts covered in the text.
Non-Performance – The paper is either nonexistent or fails to assess the traits and characteristics of an effective team leader.
Explains How the Leadership Supports Organization
Total: 4.50
Distinguished – Thoroughly and logically explains how the leadership supports the vision, mission, and strategy in the organization. Expertly applies the concepts outlined in the text, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the concepts.
Proficient – Sufficiently explains how the leadership supports the vision, mission, and strategy in the organization. Some relevant details are missing. Applies some concepts outlined in the text, demonstrating an understanding of the concepts.
Basic – Explains how the leadership supports the vision, mission, and strategy in the organization. Many relevant details are missing. Applies few concepts outlined in the text, demonstrating a rudimentary understanding of the concepts.
Below Expectations – Attempts to describe how the leadership supports the vision, mission, and strategy in the organization, but fails to show an understanding of the concepts from the text.
Non-Performance – The paper is either nonexistent or fails explain how the leadership supports vision, mission and strategy in the organization.
Changes to be Made in Organization
Total: 4.50
Distinguished – Provides at least two entirely logical and feasible examples of potential changes to the organization and fully explains the rationale behind these changes.
Proficient – Provides at least one sufficiently logical and feasible example of a potential change to the organization and explains the rationale behind it.
Basic – Provides at least one example of a potential change to the organization and briefly explains the rationale behind it. Example may not be completely applicable.
Below Expectations – Provides at least one example of a potential change to the organization, but fails to explain the rationale behind it.
Non-Performance – The paper is either nonexistent or fails to provide an example of a potential change to the organization.
Creative Thinking: Solving Problems
Total: 0.50
Distinguished – Develops a logical, consistent plan to solve a problem, identifies consequences of the solution, and can clearly communicate the reason for choosing the solution.
Proficient – Carefully chooses among alternatives, develops a logical, consistent plan to problem solving.
Basic – Takes into account and eliminates less acceptable approaches to problem solving.
Below Expectations – Takes into account a single approach and uses the approach to problem solving.
Non-Performance – The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.
Critical Thinking: Explanation of Issues
Total: 1.00
Distinguished – Clearly and comprehensively explains in detail the issue to be considered, delivering all relevant information necessary for full understanding.
Proficient – Clearly explains in detail the issue to be considered, delivering enough relevant information for an adequate understanding.
Basic – Briefly recognizes the issue to be considered, delivering minimal information for a basic understanding.
Below Expectations – Briefly recognizes the issue to be considered, but may not deliver additional information necessary for a basic understanding.
Non-Performance – The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.
Written Communication: Control of Syntax and Mechanics
Total: 1.00
Distinguished – Displays meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains no errors, and is very easy to understand.
Proficient – Displays comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains only a few minor errors, and is mostly easy to understand.
Basic – Displays basic comprehension of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains a few errors, which may slightly distract the reader.
Below Expectations – Fails to display basic comprehension of syntax or mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains major errors, which distract the reader.
Non-Performance – The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.
APA Formatting
Total: 0.50
Distinguished – Accurately uses APA formatting consistently throughout the paper, title and reference page.
Proficient – Exhibits APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout contains a few minor errors.
Basic – Exhibits basic knowledge of APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout does not meet all APA requirements.
Below Expectations – Fails to exhibit basic knowledge of APA formatting. There are frequent errors, making the layout difficult to distinguish as APA.
Non-Performance – The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.
Page Requirement
Total: 0.50
Distinguished – The paper meets the specific page requirement stipulated in the assignment description.
Proficient – The paper closely meets the page requirement stipulated in the assignment description.
Basic – The paper meets over half of the page requirement.
Below Expectations – A fraction of the page requirement is completed.
Non-Performance – The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.
Resource Requirement
Total: 0.50
Distinguished – Provides ample resources and uses the correct number of sources from the specified search agents.
Proficient – Provides the approximate number of sources, while using some of the correct search agents specified in the assignment instructions.
Basic – Provides over half of the sources required in the assignment instructions.
Below Expectations – Provides inadequate number of resources and does not include sources from specified search agents.
Non-Performance – The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.
THIS CHART BELOW MAY HELP IDENTIFY TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADER PROS AND CONS
http://coursehome.next.ecollege.com/CurrentCourse/leadership-chart-1-728.jpg
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[order_calculator]STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PROCESS/VISION, MISSION, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Assignment Overview
The MGT599 Case is an ongoing exercise, meaning that we will be thoroughly reviewing one company throughout our four modules. This session, we will be conducting a strategic analysis of the Coca-Cola Company.
Most companies have something that resembles a vision, mission, or set of values; or stated goals/objectives that define who the company is and how the company plans to do business. However, organizations may not always label these statements properly �calling a vision a mission, or calling their values a set of beliefs. Sometimes, companies do not have a mission statement at all, operating instead on a set of goals.
Required Reading
Hammonds, K. (2007). Michael Porter’s big ideas. Fast Company, 44. Retrieved on August 27, 2014, from https://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/44/porter.html
Case Assignment
In this assignment, you will be critically evaluating the vision, values, mission statement, and goals/objectives of the Coca-Cola Company.
Keys to the Assignment
After studying the background materials and completing the SLP, you are in an excellent position to evaluate a company’s published mission, vision, values, and objectives/goals. This Case asks you to begin your strategic analysis of the Coca-Cola Company by evaluating the company’s mission, vision, values, and goals. To do this, observe the following procedure:
� Step 1: Visit the official website of the Coca-Cola Company and identify the company�s vision, mission, values, and goals. (Hint: You’ll need to do some exploring and a certain amount of speculation�as the terms “vision” and “mission” (and sometimes even the term “company goals”) are used interchangeably. Explore the “Our Company” and “Investors” links. Also, be sure that you look closely at the most recent Annual Reports.
� Step 2: Critically evaluate the mission, vision, values, and goals (again, you’ll likely need to make decisions as to which is which). Use the criteria in the background materials to support your assessment of the quality of the company’s mission, vision, values, and goals.
� Step 3: Determine which (if any) of the elements consider the goals and needs of specific stakeholder groups. Write down any examples.
� Step 4: Consider what changes are needed to improve the vision statement, the mission statement, the statement of company values, and the company’s objectives and goals.
� Step 5: Write a 6-7 page paper addressing the above requirements. You must meet minimum length requirements, by responding to each step above with precision and with depth of critical thinking.
NOTE THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS AS WELL:
1. Use of proper APA style is required in this course. Therefore, prepare your Case with proper documentation of sources, using in-text citations and a complete end reference list. Refer to the Well-Written Paper guide if you are not familiar with APA style.
2. Consider the Case as a formal business report that you are developing for the Board of Directors and CEO as the Coca-Cola Company consultant. This is a professional document. Follow the format below:
3. Note: You must use section headings to respond to all major requirements in all papers. Your section headings should appear similar to the following:
o Executive summary: This is a synopsis of the main points, conclusions, and recommendations made in the longer report. If you have never written an executive summary before, or would like a refresher, check this link: https://www.highendfinance.com/CommercialLoans/Docs/07-4%20ES%20Guidelines.doc
o Introduction: State the main purpose of the paper (thesis statement), what you hope to accomplish, and how you will go about doing it.
o Main Body: The “meat” of the paper. Emphasize analysis, not just description. Don�t just give me facts � interpret them! Delineate separate topics or sections with appropriate use of headings.
� Executive Summary
� Introduction
� Company’s Mission Statement and Analysis
� Company’s Vision and Analysis
� Company’s Values and Analysis
� Alignment of Company’s Mission, Vision, Values, and Goals with Stakeholders’ Interests
� Recommended Changes
� Conclusion
Additional Readings:
The business vision and company mission statement. (2010). QuickMBA. Retrieved on August 27, 2014, from https://www.quickmba.com/strategy/vision/
Garmon, M. (2014). Tablet Development Sim. Retrieved on November 4, 2014 from https://forio.com/simulate/michael.garmon/tablet-development-sim/simulation/
Guidelines for writing the executive summary. (n.d.). High End Finance. Retrieved on August 27, 2014, from https://www.highendfinance.com/CommercialLoans/Docs/07-4%20ES%20Guidelines.doc
Hammonds, K. (2007). Michael Porter’s Big ideas, Fast Company, (44), Retrieved on August 27, 2014, from https://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/44/porter.html
Heathfield, S. M. (2009). Build a strategic framework: mission statement, vision, values. About. Retrieved on August 27, 2014, from https://humanresources.about.com/cs/strategicplanning1/a/strategicplan.htm
Luca, A. M. (2007). Organizational Stakeholders. Power Point Presentation.
Luca, A. M. (2007). Strategic Management. Power Point Presentation.
McNamara, C. (2009). Basics of developing mission, vision and values statements. Free Management Library. Retrieved on August 27, 2014, from https://www.managementhelp.org/plan_dec/str_plan/stmnts.htm
McNamara, C. (2009). Developing your strategic plan. Free Management Library. Retrieved on August 27, 2014, from https://www.managementhelp.org/np_progs/sp_mod/str_plan.htm
Rehman, A. (2014). Cost-Volume-Profit relationship (CVP Analysis). Accounting for Management. Retrieved on August 27, 2014 from https://www.accountingformanagement.com/cost_volume_profit.htm
Stakeholder analysis. (2014). 12 Manage. Retrieved on August 27, 2014 from https://www.12manage.com/methods_stakeholder_analysis.html
The strategic planning process. (2010). Quick MBA. Retrieved on August 27, 201, from https://www.quickmba.com/strategy/strategic-planning/
Welch, J., & Welch, S. (2008). State your business: Too many mission statements are loaded with fatheaded jargon. Play it straight. Bloomberg. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/bw/stories/2008-01-02/state-your-business
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[order_calculator]Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee
1) What is the dynamic between power and those who lack power? Which character(s) have power? Which characters lack power? Does the dynamic stay static or does power shift between characters?
2) In the first couple of chapters, a secretary makes a comment to Lurie about “you people.” What does she mean by that? Try to dissect the layers of meaning in that comment.
3)What is Lurie’s understanding of women? How is this revealed in his interactions with his weekly prostitute appointment and/or his relationships with his student, with his ex-wife, and with his daughter?
4) Is Lurie a predator? If yes, how? If no, why not?
5) What is Lurie’s point in telling his daughter about the dog who learned to hate its own instincts, to punish itself for feeling desire? What does he mean with the statement that “desire is a burden we could well do without”?
6) In Chapter 11, on p. 95 of the printed edition, Lurie has a moment of despair where he feels that “mission” work and “missionaries” have done nothing good for “darkest” Africa. What does he mean? What layers of meaning can we ascribe to “darkest” Africa and to his consignment of Africa to savagery?
7) After Lucy’s rape, Lurie has a dream in which his daughter calls to him to save him, though she acts very different in person. What do you make of the dream? What do you think of the questions he asks about Lucy’s soul, which might possibly be leading an independent life because she does not believe in souls?
8) Lurie wonders if it is worse to rape a lesbian than a virgin, and he also wonders if the men have raped her knowingly because she is a lesbian. He is referring to the problem in South Africa of “corrective rape,” where lesbians are raped by men who wish to “turn” them so that they become straight. Whether this is what the men were doing or not, why does Lucy not wish to speak about it? Why doesn’t she report it to the police?
9) Do you think Lurie is correct in thinking that Lucy’s silence concedes a “victory” to the men who raped her?
10) Explore the complicated relationship between Lucy, Petrus, and Lurie. What does Lurie mean when he says he could have had it out with Petrus “in the old days”? What old days is he referring to? What does Lurie think Petrus is up to? How does their relationship change over time?
11) Lurie ends up with a growing attachment to animals–first to the sheep Petrus plans to slaughter, then to the dogs he helps euthanize with Bev. What do these animals symbolize for Lurie? Why does his attachment to them grow?
12) Why do you think Lucy chooses not to prosecute or followup pursuing the men who raped and robbed her when she sees one of the perpetrators at Petrus’s party? Why does Bev reassure Lurie that Petrus is a good man and will take care of Lucy? What does that mean?
13) Who was Lord Byron? Who was Teresa? Why does their love affair captivate Lurie and what role does the opera he write play in formulating the ideas and themes of this novel?
14) Why do you think Lucy decides to keep the baby?
15) In what ways do Lucy and Lurie understand their relationship to South Africa differently and how does this translate to different actions on each of their parts? Do they have different cultural paradigms?
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