Saint Mary’s University Fall of Enron Corporation Critical Thinking Analysis Introduction If you enjoy watching movies, you already analyze scenes, narrat

Saint Mary’s University Fall of Enron Corporation Critical Thinking Analysis Introduction

If you enjoy watching movies, you already analyze scenes, narrative, and plot, without even noticing it. The objective of this assignment is to engage you to think about your thinking – this is called ‘critical thinking’ – in context of what you have learned throughout the course. At a time of your choosing throughout the semester, you will be asked to watch a documentary titled Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room. You can access the documentary film on our course Brightspace site using the following sequence: Content > Critical Film Analysis Assignment > Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (Link). Here is the direct link to watch the documentary: https://watchdocumentaries.com/enron-the-smartestg…

The documentary has received critical reviews for its expose on one of the largest business scandals in North American history. Your job will be to provide a critical film analysis – this refers to a reflective form of writing in which the author (you) evaluates or critiques the work of another person. In this assignment you are conducting a critique of the Enron Corporation. The aim of writing a critical analysis is to enhance your understanding of the film and make connection(s) to theory and practice. It is important to note that critical analysis of a film is different from a movie review. A movie review is just about watching a film passively while a critical analysis entails engaging on a level that surpasses mere storytelling.

Structuring your report

In your own words and based on your reflections and connection to course materials throughout the term, you will write a report structured using the following format. These word counts are approximate – you may use your own judgement.

• Introduction (~150 words) Provide an opening statement that accurately reflects the direction of your report. Outline your arguments and how the report will unfold.

• Overview of Enron scandal (~250 words) Provide an overview of the Enron scandal that eventually led to the bankruptcy of the organization. You may include some outside sources but please be sure to cite properly.

• Personal reaction(s) (~350 words) Reflect on your reaction(s) to the events that took place within the company as depicted in the documentary. Share your opinion. What surprised you? How do you feel about what took place in Enron? Were there any scenes or case facts that stood out as being critical? Do you agree/disagree with a decision (or decisions) that Kenneth Lay, Jeffrey Skilling, Andrew Fastow, and/or Rebecca Mark-Jusbasche made? Why or why not? Do not be afraid to reflect in firstperson writing style.

• Analysis (~350 words). Be prepared to clearly pair your analysis with at least two supporting concepts, theories, or principles that we have discussed or are featured in the textbook (350 words). For example, Enron used deceptive accounting practices such as the mark-to-market (MTM) method to hide the fact they were near financial collapse. This predated International Financial Reporting Standards but underscored their value in standardizing an organization’s financial position. Support your arguments using evidence from peer-review research.

• Conclusion (~150 words).

Finally, write a conclusion that summarizes your arguments and leave a lasting impression (150 words).

Considerations

The total of your report should be about 1,250 to 1,500 words, must follow a standard essay structure (e.g., introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion), and use proper APA referencing (e.g., title page/reference section, 12-point Times New Roman font, double spaced).