About the Assignment:

It is often challenging to remove personal biases when making decisions. This individual assignment relates to problem-solving and decision-making. Some group work is needed; however, students complete the analysis and insights individually. Create a PowerPoint presentation (5 8 pages) or MS Word document (3 5 pages), excluding the title and reference pages. Organize your work and include headings, bullets or images to enhance the message you are sending to the Board of Directors. Do not include the assignment instructions, and do not convert to a PDF. Place results in the document, not as an appendix. Students submitting as a PDF will be required to resubmit, and a 10% penalty will be applied. Remember to include academic and professional references to support your ideas.

Instructions:

1. Read the case "Eco-Resort Hawaii" provided in the Assignment 1 Folder. The actions are:
   1. As a group, perform brainstorming sessions to identify and agree upon 5 projects to add to the board of directors' 5 projects.
   2. Individually and using Paired Comparison and the Six Thinking Hats, determine which 3 of the 10 projects you will recommend to the board.
2. Participate in brainstorming sessions with your classmates (class time provided in Week 3).
   1. Capture the results, take notes, including the classmates' names, and hand this in with the assignment.
   2. Reflect on the process, and at minimum, include your (personal) insights on what went well, what didn't go well, and ideas on how you would perform brainstorming in the future.
3. Narrow down the 10 projects to 5, and explain how you narrowed down the projects.
4. Create a Paired Comparison chart and perform the comparison of the 5 projects.
   1. Include the chart and results in your assignment, and this is where you can summarize the results.
   2. Reflect on the process, including but not limited to: did the process work well, was it challenging to decide between options, was there enough information to make decisions, etc.
5. Create a table to perform a comparison using the Six Thinking Hats.
   1. The table must include the same 5 projects as above and include details as required.
   2. Reflect on the process including, but not limited to: did the process work well, was it challenging to decide between options, was there enough information to make decisions, which 'hat' was the most straightforward or most challenging (why), etc.
6. Make your recommendation to the Board of Directors. Include the 3 projects you recommend, the reason(s) why and explain which tool(s) you would use in the future. Case Study:

Eco-Resort Hawaii

The management team at Kauai Kulture Resort on the Island of Kauai in Hawaii is tasked with modernizing the resort concept. The board of directors wants to shift from marketing the resort as a fun-in-the sun destination to eco-tourism. Eco-tourism focuses on environmental awareness and education. The board of directors identified 5 potential projects listed below and expects the management team to brainstorm an additional 5 project ideas. Once 10 projects are identified, each member of the management team (individually) must put together a recommendation identifying what they believe are the 3 most important projects. Since the resort hires from Conestoga, the team is all well versed in brainstorming, paired comparison and the 6 Thinking Hats tools to support solid decision making.

Kauai Kulture Board of Directors Project List:

• Revise and test the resort disaster response plan
• Convert the pool heating system from electrical to solar power
• Modify all the hotel brochures and marketing material to reflect eco-tourism
• Launch a new promotional campaign with Air Canada
• Convert the 10 acres adjacent to the hotel to a botanical garden / wild life preserve

General resort information:

• The resort was built in 1998 and underwent a renovation in 2010
• 20-minute drive from the airport
• Family friendly with childrens programming
• There are 500 rooms across 10 buildings
• There are 3 pools (1 adult only), 5 restaurants and many beach, water and land activities
• There are stables with 6 horses, riding available at a fee

Project parameters and assumptions:

• The projects must be completed within a year
• The total budget must not exceed $1,000,000
• Assume the human and project resources are available
• Disruption to guests must be kept to a minimum