$1/2$ SECTION A $[100$ MARKS$]$ Read the case study below and answer ALL the questions that follow. Satirical Case Study: "DeluxeFluff's Acquisition of Staple'n'More: The Pillow Fight of the Century" Introduction: Pillow Perfection Meets Office Obsession In a bold $($and perhaps bewildering$)$ move, DeluxeFluff, a luxury pillow company known for its extravagant feather$-$filled cushions, has announced its intention to acquire Staple'n'More, a struggling office supply chain famous for its staple guns, outdated fax machines, and rather enthusiastic collection of paper clips. This unusual pairing has left many industry insiders scratching their heads $($on DeluxeFluff pillows, no doubt$),$ as rumours swirl about what this acquisition could mean for DeluxeFluff$$s reputation, operations, and, perhaps most importantly, its project communication strategy. Following Staple'n'More$$s recent PR disaster involving a scandal with counterfeit staplers, DeluxeFluff$$s sudden interest has raised eyebrows across the corporate world. Could this be a mere publicity stunt, or has DeluxeFluff genuinely seen potential in revitalizing Staple'n'More$$s sinking ship? Time will tell. For now, let us explore the potential communication challenges awaiting this unusual corporate union. Stakeholder Pillow Wars: Keeping the Feathers from Flying DeluxeFluff$$s communication team is likely working overtime to manage the expectations of a wide variety of stakeholders, including Staple'n'More$$s confused employees, sceptical office managers, and bored media outlets. Internal communications will need a total revamp, given that Staple'n'More$$s current system consists mainly of passive$-$aggressive Post$-$it notes and the occasional fax machine memo. In a stunning attempt at damage control, Staple'n'More$$s CEO, Mark Enabo, issued a public statement assuring employees that "nobody's getting fired... probably." Not the most reassuring words, but DeluxeFluff's team is reportedly planning a series of pillow$-$themed town hall meetings to fluff up morale and convey their vision to Staple'n'More$$s deflated workforce. The real question is: How will DeluxeFluff manage the inevitable culture clash when they introduce their luxurious, pillow$-$soft communication style to Staple'n'More$$s hard$-$as$-$nails, no$-$nonsense office culture? With DeluxeFluff$$s dedication to $$cozy$,$ comforting communication$$ and Staple'n'More$$s reputation for no$-$frills, straightforward messaging, the coming months promise to be a crash course in corporate pillow diplomacy. Communication Cushioning: From Hard Corners to Soft Edges One of the major concerns in this acquisition is how DeluxeFluff will integrate Staple'n'More$$s archaic communication system $($which relies heavily on fax machines and binders full of memos$)$ into its smooth, cloud$-$based operation. Insiders predict that every communication plan will require Staple'n'More$-$specific contingencies, particularly given their fondness for last$-$minute, paper$-$heavy procedures. DeluxeFluff$$s Director of Project Communications, Pillow Talker, insists that the acquisition will not derail existing projects but whispers from the marketing team suggest otherwise. While DeluxeFluff is known for its forward$-$thinking, relaxed communication style $($think inspirational emails sent with lavender$-$scented virtual postcards$),$ Staple'n'More$$s traditionalists may not be as receptive. Rumours are swirling that Staple'n'More$$s board members are resistant to DeluxeFluff$$s softer approach, with one insider quipping, "You can$$t staple pillows, and you can$$t sell paper clips wrapped in satin." The Tools of Transition: From Post$-$Its to the Cloud DeluxeFluff has announced an ambitious plan to drag Staple'n'More$$s outdated communication systems into the $21$st century. Their proposed toolset includes a sleek new customer relationship management $($CRM$)$ system, cloud$-$based messaging platforms, and$$wait for it$$an interactive, emoji$-$driven internal chat system called $$PillowTalk$+.$ While some Staple'n'More employees are reportedly baffled by the introduction of digital clouds that are not filled with feathers, DeluxeFluff is confident that they will win them over with time. Conclusion: A Fluffy Future or a Firm Reality Check? As DeluxeFluff and Staple'n'More move forward, the stakes are high for project communication. With so many moving parts $($and staples$),$ will this acquisition result in a smooth, pillow$-$soft integration, or a harsh wake$-$up call for both companies? Only time will tell if this unlikely merger leads to a new era of office supply luxury or a corporate pillow fight of epic proportions. Source: $($Masiba $2024)$ Assessment Tasks: The questions below are $2/2$ designed to encourage critical thinking and reflection on the unique communication challenges presented by the acquisition of Staple'n'More by DeluxeFluff. Part $1$: Business Journal Analysis $[60$ Marks$]$ QUESTION $1(20$ Marks$)$ Critically analyse DeluxeFluff's proposed acquisition of Staple'n'More from a project communication p