JWI 522: Strategic Partnering with the C-Suite
Assignment 2
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be
copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. This
document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 522 – Assignment 2 (1236) Page 1 of 3
Assignment 2: Case Study
Using Data to Build a Stronger Workforce
Due: Week Sunday, midnight of Week 5 (Weight: 25%)
Overview
C-Suite leaders rely on data to drive decisions. However, many HR professionals come from “non-quant”
backgrounds that leave them feeling less than confident when it comes to understanding the numbers and
using data to evaluate and communicate critical HR initiatives. Like it or not, having a seat at the table
requires that you can speak with data.
The good news is that you do not need to be a financial or data-analytics expert. You do, however, need to
be able to ask the right questions when the numbers are put in front of you and you need to be able to
identify the trends and patterns to successfully manage talent. If you cannot do this, there is a strong
possibility you will not be a part of “real” business conversations.
This assignment presents you with an opportunity to explore how data can be used to make more effective
talent-management decisions. By developing these skills, you will be better equipped to challenge
assumptions and to create effective hiring and compensation models. Since we can never have complete
data, our decision-making process must acknowledge what we know and what we don’t know. Even with
incomplete data, however, our actions must be reasonable, given the time frame and resources we have.
Additionally, any actions we recommend must include a clear understanding of how success will be
measured, so as to indicate the anticipated return on investment (ROI).
Instructions
For this assignment, you will write a paper based on the case study, Agoda: People Analytics and
Business Culture. In your paper, you will analyze the data and provide a recommendation for action. Your
paper must address the following topics: the challenges and opportunity; the data that is known and
unknown; the culture of the organization; and how data can be leveraged to support a plan of action.
Use the outline below to organize your paper:
1. Executive Summary
An executive summary is a brief synopsis of a paper or report. It is a helpful tool that allows
readers to get a snapshot of what will be discussed in the paper. Your Executive Summary
should not include detailed information, but simply present an overview of your position.
2. Data and Culture
a. What are the data collection/analysis tools being considered in the case?
i. How might they improve the way talent is managed?
ii. What drawbacks or dangers are presented?
JWI 522: Strategic Partnering with the C-Suite
Assignment 2
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be
copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. This
document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 522 – Assignment 2 (1236) Page 2 of 3
b. How might the need for transparency and actionable data create a negative
environment? What are some unintended consequences the data might lead to? Think in
particular about the need for privacy.
3. Data Analysis
a. What does the data in Exhibit 2 tell us? Which team has the highest correlation between
performance and compensation? Explain.
b. What does the data in Exhibit 3 tell us about where we may want to focus our personnel
development efforts? Explain.
c. What other insights could be helpful to Agoda that are not addressed in the case?
i. What data would you need to identify these insights?
ii. How could this data be collected in an accurate and cost-effective way?
4. Recommendation
a. What are Allen’s key issues going forward?
i. What role does Agoda’s culture play in each of these issues?
ii. What previous findings or experiences related to these issues are conveyed in
the case?
b. What advice would you offer him?
c. How will the success of the recommendations be assessed? Be specific about:
i. What cost assumptions need to be included?
ii. How should ROI be measured?
d. Summarize the main steps of your action plan to support your recommendation to Allen.
Formatting Requirements
• Uses a double-spaced, professional font (Times New Roman or Arial), 10-12 font size, with one-
inch margins on all sides
• Includes a Cover Page with the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name,
course title, and date
• Headings are used to identify main topics and subtopics
• The assignment is written in a formal manner, with correct spelling and grammar
• References are included and provide appropriate information that enables the reader to locate the
original source
• Citations and references must follow the formatting instructions found in the JWMI Writing
Standards Guide
JWI 522: Strategic Partnering with the C-Suite
Assignment 2
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be
copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. This
document is subject to change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 522 – Assignment 2 (1236) Page 3 of 3
Rubric: Assignment 2
Criteria
Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
1. Executive
Summary
Weight: 10%
Met HP criteria
plus displayed
an engaging
style that
hooks the
reader.
Executive
summary
provided
excellent
synopsis of the
paper.
Executive
summary
provided basic
synopsis of the
paper.
Executive
summary covered
main points, but
was disorganized
or overly detailed.
Executive
summary was
missing or off-
topic.
2. Data and
Culture
Weight:15%
Met HP criteria
plus added
significant
relevant insight
from outside
sources.
Response
provided
complete and
well-reasoned
treatment of both
questions using
data from the
case.
Provided basic
response to both
questions, but
lacked sufficient
exploration of key
themes.
Response
adequately
addressed only
one of the two
main questions.
Response was
missing,
inaccurate or off-
topic.
3. Data Analysis
Weight: 40%
Met HP criteria
plus added
significant
relevant
insight from
outside
sources.
Submitted a
complete and
well-reasoned
treatment of three
questions using
data from the
case.
Submitted a
complete and
accurate
response for two
questions, but
lacked sufficient
exploration of
main themes.
Submitted a
complete and
accurate
response for one
of the questions.
Did not submit an
adequate
response for any
of the data
analysis
questions.
4. Make a Sound
Recommendati
on
Weight: 20%
Recommendation
demonstrated
exceptional
insight and
included detailed
calculations of
ROI
considerations
and action plan.
Recommendation
was well-
reasoned and
grounded in data
and included
accurate detail on
ROI or action
steps.
Recommendation
was well-
reasoned and
grounded in data,
but lacked
sufficient detail on
ROI or action
steps.
Recommendation
was basic and
lacked sufficient
detail on ROI and
action steps.
Recommendation
was missing or
did not connect
to data, and the
objectives of
stakeholders.
5. Organization
and Writing
Conventions
Weight: 15%
Met all HP
criteria plus
demonstrated
a particularly
engaging style
and structure
that elevates
the paper to
an exemplary
level.
Paper was error-
free, well-
organized and
easy to follow.
Paper contained
minor
grammatical
errors or only
minor
organizational
shortcomings.
Paper displayed
minor
grammatical
errors, logic and
flow were good,
but basic.
Paper displayed
significant
grammatical
errors; logic and
flow were
inconsistent and
difficult to follow.
