FPH 7240 – Introduction to Epidemiology

Fall 2018

Assignment 4 – Experimental Studies

Due: Thursday, October 4, 2018 at noon

Readings: This homework is based on the “Experimental Studies” chapter in Aschengrau & Seague and on the articles “Once-only flexible sigmoidoscopy screening in prevention of colorectal cancer: a multicenter randomized controlled trial by Atkin et al.

Section A:

1. The following questions relate to the Atkin, et al. paper “Once-only flexible sigmoidoscopy screening in prevention of colorectal cancer: a multicenter randomized controlled trial” posted along with the homework.

a) What is the study design and population?

b) What are the exposure and primary and secondary outcomes of this study?

c) Why do you think the investigators went through the step of sending out questionnaires to establish interest in screening before randomizing participants to receive an offer of a flexible sigmoidoscopy? What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of doing this?

d) On page 1625 (first full paragraph) the authors state: “Individuals reporting a strong family history of colorectal cancer (two or more close relatives), or symptoms of colorectal cancer were managed outside the trial because randomization would not have been in their interest.” Why is this the case? What is the principle the authors are adhering to here?

e) What are the hazard ratios (similar to a relative risk) of colorectal cancer incidence and of colorectal cancer mortality associated with the offer of a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

f) What are the relative risks of colorectal cancer incidence and of colorectal cancer mortality comparing those who actually received the sigmoidoscopy to the controls?

g) Which of the two sets of results above (4e or 4f) is more appropriate and why? Please state the results of the more appropriate result of the randomized study in a sentence?

Section B:

Please read the abstracts, identify the study design then provide very brief answers to the questions

Veugelers PJ , Porter GA , Guernsey DL , Casson AG : Obesity and lifestyle risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Dis Esophagus. 2006;19(5):321-8

The aim of this study was to examine the association of obesity with esophageal adenocarcinoma, and with the precursor lesions Barrett esophagus and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This case-control study included cases with GERD (n = 142), Barrett esophagus (n = 130), and esophageal adenocarcinoma (n = 57). Controls comprised 102 asymptomatic individuals. Using logistic regression methods, we compared obesity rates between cases and controls adjusting for differences in age, gender, and lifestyle risk factors. Relative to normal weight, obese individuals were at increased risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma (Odds Ratio [OR] 4.67, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.27-17.9). Diets high in vitamin C were associated with a lower risk for GERD (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.19-0.87), Barrett esophagus (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.20-0.98), and esophageal adenocarcinoma (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.06-0.77). For the more established risk factors, we confirmed that smoking was a significant risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma, and that increased liquor consumption was associated with GERD and Barrett esophagus. In light of the current obesity epidemic, esophageal adenocarcinoma incidence rates are expected to continue to increase. Successful promotion of healthy body weight and diets high in vitamin C may substantially reduce the incidence of this disease.

1. What study design is used?

a. What were the comparison groups?

b. Were the comparison groups chosen the basis of disease status or “exposure” status?

c. What exposure or treatment was the author primarily focused on, to describe its possible causal association with disease or outcome.

d. Does exposure (treatment) occur before disease onset (outcome)?

Miyake Y , Iki M . Lack of association between water hardness and coronary heart disease mortality in Japan. Int J Cardiol. 2004 Jul;96(1):25-8

BACKGROUND: Elevated levels of water hardness are related to lower mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) in different populations. This ecologic study assessed whether water hardness is related to lower mortality from CHD in Osaka Prefecture, with 44 municipalities, Japan. METHODS: The mortality rate from CHD per municipality was calculated based on the number of coronary deaths and midyear population in 1995. Values for water hardness in each of the municipalities were estimated based on the yearly amount of water supply per source and the yearly average of water hardness for each source in 1997. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to control socioeconomic status and health care status in each municipality. RESULTS: In males, after adjustment for age, an inverse dose-response relationship between water hardness and mortality from CHD was significant (P for linear trend=0.004). However, this relationship virtually disappeared after further adjusting for socioeconomic status and health care status. In females, there was no material association between water hardness and coronary mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides no evidence that water hardness is preventive against mortality from CHD in Japan.

2. What study design is used?

a. What were the comparison groups?

b. Were the comparison groups chosen the basis of disease status or “exposure” status?

c. What exposure or treatment was the author primarily focused on, to describe its possible causal association with disease or outcome.

d. Does exposure (treatment) occur before disease onset (outcome)?

Bosset JF , Collette L , Calais G , Mineur L , Maingon P , Radosevic-Jelic L , Daban A , Bardet E , Beny A , Ollier JC ; EORTC Radiotherapy Group Trial 22921 . Chemotherapy with preoperative radiotherapy in rectal cancer. N Engl J Med. 2006 Sep 14;355(11):1114-23.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative radiotherapy is recommended for selected patients with rectal cancer. We evaluated the addition of chemotherapy to preoperative radiotherapy and the use of postoperative chemotherapy in the treatment of rectal cancer. METHODS: We randomly assigned patients with clinical stage T3 or T4 resectable rectal cancer to receive preoperative radiotherapy, preoperative chemoradiotherapy, preoperative radiotherapy and postoperative chemotherapy, or preoperative chemoradiotherapy and postoperative chemotherapy. Radiotherapy consisted of 45 Gy delivered over a period of 5 weeks. One course of chemotherapy consisted of 350 mg of fluorouracil per square meter of body-surface area per day and 20 mg of leucovorin per square meter per day, both given for 5 days. Two courses were combined with preoperative radiotherapy in the group receiving preoperative chemoradiotherapy and the group receiving preoperative chemoradiotherapy and postoperative chemotherapy; four courses were planned postoperatively in the group receiving preoperative radiotherapy and postoperative chemotherapy and the group receiving preoperative chemoradiotherapy and postoperative chemotherapy. The primary end point was overall survival. RESULTS: We enrolled 1011 patients in the trial. There was no significant difference in overall survival between the groups that received chemotherapy preoperatively (P=0.84) and those that received it postoperatively (P=0.12). The combined 5-year overall survival rate for all four groups was 65.2%. The 5-year cumulative incidence rates for local recurrences were 8.7%, 9.6%, and 7.6% in the groups that received chemotherapy preoperatively, postoperatively, or both, respectively, and 17.1% in the group that did not receive chemotherapy (P=0.002). The rate of adherence to preoperative chemotherapy was 82.0%, and to postoperative chemotherapy was 42.9%. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with rectal cancer who receive preoperative radiotherapy, adding fluorouracil-based chemotherapy preoperatively or postoperatively has no significant effect on survival. Chemotherapy, regardless of whether it is administered before or after surgery, confers a significant benefit with respect to local control.

3. What study design is used?

a. What were the comparison groups?

b. Were the comparison groups chosen the basis of disease status or “exposure” status?

c. What exposure or treatment was the author primarily focused on, to describe its possible causal association with disease or outcome.

d. Does exposure (treatment) occur before disease onset (outcome)?

Radnai M , Gorzo I , Urban E , Eller J , Novak T , Pal A : Possible association between mother’s periodontal status and preterm delivery. J Clin Periodontol. 2006 Sep 13; [Epub ahead of print]

Background: A case-control study was undertaken to detect whether initial chronic localized periodontitis could be a risk factor for preterm birth (PB) and fetal growth restriction. Methods: A PB case was defined if a patient had a threatening premature event during pregnancy pre-term premature rupture of membranes, or spontaneous pre-term delivery, before the 37th week of pregnancy, and/or the weight of the newborn was <2500 g. Into the PB (case) group, 77 women were allocated, while 84 were included in the control group, all of whom had delivery after the 37th gestational week and with a newborn weighing >/=2500 g. Results: A significant association was found between PB and initial chronic localized periodontitis, the criteria being bleeding at >/=50% of the examined teeth and having at least at one site at >/=4 mm probing depth (p=0.0001). The adjusted odds ratio for initial chronic localized periodontitis was 3.32, 95% CI: 1.64-6.69. The average weight of newborns of mothers with periodontitis was significantly less than that of the women without periodontitis (p=0.002). Conclusions: The results support the hypothesis that initial chronic localized periodontitis of pregnant women could lead to PB, and birth-weight reduction.

4. What study design is used?

a. What were the comparison groups?

b. Were the comparison groups chosen the basis of disease status or “exposure” status?

c. What exposure or treatment was the author primarily focused on, to describe its possible causal association with disease or outcome.

d. Does exposure (treatment) occur before disease onset (outcome)?

Dugandzic R , Dodds L , Stieb D , Smith-Doiron M . The association between low level exposures to ambient air pollution and term low birth weight: a retrospective cohort study. Environ Health. 2006 Feb 17;5:3.

BACKGROUND: Studies in areas with relatively high levels of air pollution have found some positive associations between exposures to ambient levels of air pollution and several birth outcomes including low birth weight (LBW). The purpose of this study was to examine the association between LBW among term infants and ambient air pollution, by trimester of exposure, in a region of lower level exposures. METHODS: The relationship between LBW and ambient levels of particulate matter up to 10 um in diameter (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and ground-level ozone (O3) was evaluated using the Nova Scotia Atlee Perinatal Database and ambient air monitoring data from the Environment Canada National Air Pollution Surveillance Network and the Nova Scotia Department of Environment. The cohort consisted of live singleton births (> or =37 weeks of gestation) between January 1, 1988 and December 31, 2000. Maternal exposures to air pollution were assigned to women living within 25 km of a monitoring station at the time of birth. Air pollution was evaluated as a continuous and categorical variable (using quartile exposures) for each trimester and relative risks were estimated from logistic regression, adjusted for confounding variables. RESULTS: There were 74,284 women with a term, singleton birth during the study period and with exposure data. In the analyses unadjusted for year of birth, first trimester exposures in the highest quartile for SO2 and PM10 suggested an increased risk of delivering a LBW infant (relative risk = 1.36, 95% confidence interval = 1.04 to 1.78 for SO2 exposure and relative risk = 1.33, 95% confidence interval = 1.02 to 1.74 for PM10). After adjustment for birth year, the relative risks were attenuated somewhat and not statistically significant. A dose-response relationship for SO2 was noted with increasing levels of exposure. No statistically significant effects were noted for ozone. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that exposure during the first trimester to relatively low levels of some air pollutants may be associated with a reduction in birth weight in term-born infants. These findings have implications for the development of effective risk management strategies to minimize the public health impacts for pregnant women.

5. What study design is used?

a. What were the comparison groups?

b. Were the comparison groups chosen the basis of disease status or “exposure” status?

c. What exposure or treatment was the author primarily focused on, to describe its possible causal association with disease or outcome.

d. Does exposure (treatment) occur before disease onset (outcome)?

Kuper H , Adami HO , Theorell T , Weiderpass E . Psychosocial determinants of coronary heart disease in middle-aged women: a prospective study in Sweden. Am J Epidemiol. 2006 Aug 15;164(4):349-57.

A social gradient in coronary heart disease (CHD) has been documented in a variety of settings, predominantly among men. This study aimed to establish whether a social gradient in CHD existed in a group of Swedish women and whether it could be explained by established coronary risk factors or psychosocial factors. The Women’s Lifestyle and Health Cohort Study includes 49,259 women from Sweden aged 30-50 years at baseline (1991-1992), when an extensive questionnaire was completed. There was complete follow-up through linkages to national registries until the end of 2002, during which time 210 cases of incident fatal CHD or nonfatal myocardial infarction occurred. Risk of CHD was significantly inversely related to years of education, the socioeconomic status proxy (hazard ratio comparing the lowest with the highest education group = 3.3, 95% confidence interval: 2.2, 4.7). This association was reduced after adjustment for established coronary risk factors (smoking, body mass index, alcohol consumption, diabetes, hypertension, exercise; hazard ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.3, 2.8). Job strain and social support were weakly related to CHD and did not explain the gradient by years of education. Self-rated health was strongly related to CHD, mediated by established coronary risk factors. Results show a strong gradient in CHD by years of education explained by established coronary risk factors but not by job strain or social supp

6. What study design is used?

a. What were the comparison groups?

b. Were the comparison groups chosen the basis of disease status or “exposure” status?

c. What exposure or treatment was the author primarily focused on, to describe its possible causal association with disease or outcome.

d. Does exposure (treatment) occur before disease onset (outcome)?

Peterson NB , Trentham-Dietz A , Newcomb PA , Chen Z , Hampton JM , Willett WC , Egan KM . Alcohol consumption and ovarian cancer risk in a population-based case-control study. Int J Cancer. 2006 Aug 18;119(10):2423-2427

Alcohol consumption has been investigated as a possible risk factor for ovarian cancer in several epidemiological studies, with inconsistent findings. Recent studies have suggested that the association between alcohol consumption and ovarian cancer may vary according to histologic subtype of ovarian cancer and type of alcohol consumed (e.g., wine, beer, or liquor). We examined these associations in a population-based case-control study comprised of 762 incident cases of epithelial ovarian cancer and 6,271 population controls from Massachusetts and Wisconsin aged 40-79 years. Women reported their usual alcohol consumption as young adults (20-30 years of age) and in the recent past. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. There was no significant association of ovarian cancer with increasing alcohol consumption either during ages 20-30 years (p trend 0.42) or in the recent past (p trend 0.83). Regular drinking of beer (1 drink/day or more) during ages 20-30 (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.07-2.26), though not liquor (OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.86-2.11) or wine (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.49-2.00), was associated with a statistically significant increase in risk of invasive tumors, whereas no significant relationships were observed for recent drinking, regardless of alcohol type. The elevated risk for early adult regular drinking was confined to serous invasive tumors (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.01-2.30), though results for other subtypes were based on sparse data and results were imprecise. In this study, neither total alcohol consumption as a young adult nor recently was associated with an increase in the risk of ovarian cancer.

7. What study design is used?

a. What were the comparison groups?

b. Were the comparison groups chosen the basis of disease status or “exposure” status?

c. What exposure or treatment was the author primarily focused on, to describe its possible causal association with disease or outcome.

d. Does exposure (treatment) occur before disease onset (outcome)?

Discussion: Designing Quantitative Research

Researchers consider validity and reliability with each new study they design. This is because validity and reliability are not fixed but rather reflect a particular study’s unique variables, research design, instruments, and participants.

In the context of research design, two types of validity, which speak to the quality of different features of the research process, are considered: internal validity and external validity. Assuming that the findings of a research study are internally valid—i.e., the researcher has used controls to determine that the outcome is indeed due to manipulation of the independent variable or the treatment—external validity refers to the extent to which the findings can be generalized from the sample to the population or to other settings and groups. Reliability refers to the replicability of the findings.

For this Discussion, you will consider threats to internal and external validity in quantitative research and the strategies used to mitigate these threats. You will also consider the ethical implications of designing quantitative research.

With these thoughts in mind:

By Day 4

Post an explanation of a threat to internal validity and a threat to external validity in quantitative research. Next, explain a strategy to mitigate each of these threats. Then, identify a potential ethical issue in quantitative research and explain how it might influence design decisions. Finally, explain what it means for a research topic to be amenable to scientific study using a quantitative approach.

Be sure to support your Main Issue Post and Response Post with reference to the week’s Learning Resources and other scholarly evidence in APA Style.

Read a selection of your classmates’ postings.

Develop a 20-minute presentation, supported by 10-12-slides, for nursing colleagues highlighting the fundamental principles of care coordination. Create a detailed narrative script for your presentation, approximately 4-5 pages in length, and record a video of your presentation.

Nurses have a powerful role in the coordination and continuum of care. All nurses must be cognizant of the care coordination process and how safety, ethics, policy, physiological, and cultural needs affect care and patient outcomes. As a nurse, care coordination is something that should always be considered. Nurses must be aware of factors that impact care coordination and of a continuum of care that utilizes community resources effectively and is part of an ethical framework that represents the professionalism of nurses. Understanding policy elements helps nurses coordinate care effectively.

This assessment provides an opportunity for you to educate your peers on the care coordination process.

Demonstration of Proficiency

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the course competencies through the following assessment scoring guide criteria:

• Competency 2: Collaborate with patients and family to achieve desired outcomes.
  • Outline effective strategies for collaborating with patients and their families to achieve desired health outcomes.
• Competency 3: Create a satisfying patient experience.
  • Identify the aspects of change management that directly affect elements of the patient experience essential to the provision of high-quality, patient-centered care.
• Competency 4: Defend decisions based on the code of ethics for nursing.
  • Explain the rationale for coordinated care plans based on ethical decision making.
• Competency 5: Explain how health care policies affect patient-centered care.
  • Identify the potential impact of specific health care policy provisions on outcomes and patient experiences.
• Competency 6: Apply professional, scholarly communication strategies to lead patient-centered care.
  • Raise awareness of the nurse’s vital role in the coordination and continuum of care.

Preparation

Your nurse manager has been observing your effectiveness as a care coordinator and recognizes the importance of educating other staff nurses in care coordination. Consequently, she has asked you to develop a presentation for your colleagues on care coordination basics. By providing them with basic information about the care coordination process, you will assist them in taking on an expanded role in helping to manage the care coordination process and improve patient outcomes in your community care center.

To prepare for this assessment, identify key factors nurses must consider to effectively participate in the care coordination process.

You may also wish to:

• Review the assessment instructions and scoring guide to ensure you understand the work you will be asked to complete.
• Allow plenty of time to rehearse your presentation.

Note: Remember that you can submit all, or a portion of, your draft presentation to Smarthinking Tutoringfor feedback, before you submit the final version for this assessment. If you plan on using this free service, be mindful of the turnaround time of 24–48 hours for receiving feedback.

Recording Equipment Setup and Testing

Check that your recording equipment and software are working properly and that you know how to record and upload your presentation. You may use Kaltura, Adobe Connect, or similar software for your audio recording. You may also add audio directly to your slides, using PowerPoint or other presentation software.

• If using Kaltura, refer to the Using Kaltura [PDF] tutorial for directions on recording and uploading your video in the courseroom.
• If using Adobe Connect, refer to the instructions and tutorials available from the Using Adobe Connectsupport page.

Note: If you require the use of assistive technology or alternative communication methods to participate in this activity, please contact DisabilityServices@capella.edu to request accommodations.

Instructions

Complete the following:

• Develop a presentation for nursing colleagues highlighting the fundamental principles of care coordination. Include community resources, ethical issues, and policy issues that affect the coordination of care.
• Record a video of your presentation.

Note: For this assessment, develop your presentation slides and audio script, then record your presentation. You are not required to deliver your presentation to an actual audience.

Presentation Format and Length

You may use PowerPoint or other suitable presentation software to create your slides. If you elect to use an application other than PowerPoint, check with your faculty to avoid potential file compatibility issues. You can also record your presentation using Kaltura or Adobe Connect.

Be sure that your slide deck includes the following slides:

• Title slide.
  • Presentation title.
  • Your name.
  • Date.
  • Course number and title.
• References (at the end of your presentation).

Your slide deck should consist of 10–12 slides, not including a title and references slide. Your presentation should not exceed 20 minutes.

Create a detailed narrative script for your presentation, approximately 4–5 pages in length.

Supporting Evidence

Cite 3–5 credible sources from peer-reviewed journals or professional industry publications to support your presentation. Include your source citations on a references page appended to your narrative script.

Grading Requirements

The requirements outlined below correspond to the grading criteria in the Care Coordination Presentation to Colleagues Scoring Guide, so be sure to address each point. Read the performance-level descriptions for each criterion to see how your work will be assessed.

• Outline effective strategies for collaborating with patients and their families to achieve desired health outcomes.
  • Provide, for example, drug-specific educational interventions, cultural competence strategies.
  • Include evidence that you have to support your selected strategies.
• Identify the aspects of change management that directly affect elements of the patient experience essential to the provision of high-quality, patient-centered care.
• Explain the rationale for coordinated care plans based on ethical decision making.
  • Consider the reasonable implications and consequences of an ethical approach to care and any underlying assumptions that may influence decision making.
• Identify the potential impact of specific health care policy provisions on outcomes and patient experiences.
  • What are the logical implications and consequences of relevant policy provisions?
  • What evidence do you have to support your conclusions?
• Raise awareness of the nurse’s vital role in the coordination and continuum of care.
  • Fine tune the presentation to your audience.
  • Stay focused on key issues of import with respect to the effects of resources, ethics, and policy on the provision of high-quality, patient-centered care.
  • Adhere to presentation best practices.

Additional Requirements

Before submitting your assessment, proofread your presentation slides and script to minimize errors that could distract readers and make it more difficult for them to focus on the substance of your presentation.

Submit both your presentation video and script. See the Using Kaltura [PDF] document for more information about uploading multimedia files. You may submit the assessment only once, so be sure that both assessment deliverables are included.

For this assignment, you will select a current research paper (published since 2016) to review. You may select any research paper that is related to Data Science or Big Data Analytics. I strongly recommend that you start your search at Google Scholar (scholar.google.com). Once you enter your search term(s), select the “Since 2016” link on the left. Feel free to choose ANY relevant paper. (I would recommend that you select one that you can read and summarize in a reasonable amount of time. Don’t select a 100 page paper!)

For APA citation information, I have found https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ to be a great resource.

Here is a short list of what I want:

1) Your review should be 1/2 to 1-1/2 pages, single spaced. (DO NOT exceed the page length! Really. I’m not kidding.)
2) Please upload a Microsoft Word document to submit your review.
3) You should briefly summarize the content of the article or paper and explain how it relates to Data Science and/or Big Data Analytics.
4) IMPORTANT – Provide your own assessment of the article. (Did it make sense? Did you learn anything from it? Do you agree or disagree with the content?)
5) Use the APA style for the paper and any references. You MUST use APA in-text references AND provide a list of any resources you used in the references list at the end of your paper. (PLEASE do NOT overuse references. More than a couple for such a short paper is overkill.)

Assume you are a manager for a prestigious hotel chain in your area. Over the past five years, you have noticed a steady change in the type of customers you have seen book rooms at your hotel and you have also seen a change in the number of customers staying at your hotel. You may choose the direction you feel your company has taken (positive or negative) for this project.

Do BOTH items 1 and 2:

Create a SWOT analysis to determine what the next steps your company should take to in order to move forward successfully. Your SWOT analysis should include a properly formatted SWOT chart (you may use any program or format of your choice) and should include an analysis as to what your findings have been.

You will also create a focus group for your company. Write an analysis on the participants, questions, and use for the focus group.

It is recommended that you research current hotel chains to determine the methods they have used and what is/is not working for these companies today.

The requirements below must be met for your paper to be accepted and graded:

Write between 750 – 1,250 words (approximately 3 – 5 pages) using Microsoft Word in APA style, see example below.

Use font size 12 and 1” margins.

Include cover page and reference page.

At least 80% of your paper must be original content/writing.

No more than 20% of your content/information may come from references.

Review the article, “Clinical information systems end user satisfaction: The expectations and needs congruencies effects”, and discuss your expectations for satisfaction playing the role of end-user.

Discussion Assignment Expectations

1. Support discussion ideas with peer-reviewed material garnered from at least 1 scholarly article.
2. When applicable, provide references and citations in APA formatting style.

*ONCE COMPLETE MUST RESPD TO 2 CLASSMATES, I WILL ATTACH THEIR ANSWERS UPON COMPLETION.

Discussion 4

Angela Brooks

In reviewing the researchers’ article regarding user satisfaction, the authors conducted a survey to gather expectations for using a clinical information system (Karimia, Poo, and Tan, 2015). The researchers noted how different responsibilities are responsible for utilizing information systems for various functions.  They examined the link between user satisfaction and motivation to understand how to use the electronic medical records system.  There seems to be a link between satisfaction and the ease of use. As the article demonstrated, the success of information systems are dependent on how the users view the product.

It is important that information systems meet the needs of users. Expectations for satisfaction should partly be dependent on the training that is provided for the health information system.  If a staff is thoroughly trained on a system, it could contribute to motivation and make it easier for the staff to accept. However, if a system is not user friendly, it may make it difficult for users to be satisfied. Further, improvements to systems can also help a user’s attitude to improve and slowly reach an acceptance level.

 

Reference

Karimia, F., Poo, D., and Tan, Y. (2015). Clinical information systems end user satisfaction: The expectations and needs congruencies effects. Journal of Biomedical Informatics, 53:342–354. Retrieved from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1532046414002731

Reply to Thread

End-User Satisfaction of Health Information Systems

Lisa Quinonez

The attitude of the users and their continuance to use an information systems is closely linked with their satisfaction with the system. Therefore, making investment in clinical information systems should put the end user into consideration and their satisfaction.   Cognitive framework is therefore essential to help in identifying the clinicians’ satisfaction information. Using the disconfirmation paradigm as the core of the framework is great since it helps in examining the relationship between throughput times, expectations and patient satisfaction. By using the expectations and needs congruence models and perceived performance as the basis of comparing the models helps in achieving the objective of the experiment.

The response rates of the experiment was high which helps to validate the results of the experiment. The fact that it the participants were drawn from public hospitals portrays the actual situation on the ground. The survey methodology helps to empirically validate the proposed research model. To analyze the data, the partial least squares method was used. From the experiment, the results show that clinician’s satisfaction is mostly influenced by the perceived CIS performance. This is closely followed by doctor’s expectations congruence. The results of this research dispel previous findings which indicate that nurses’ expectations and expectations congruence do not show a significant effect on their satisfaction. The need’s congruence however remains a significant influence on the satisfaction of nurses.

As an end user of clinical information systems, my greatest expectation would be to get satisfied with the system. There are three main factors which would greatly have an impact on my satisfaction level. They include systems quality, information quality and service quality. If all these three factors are great, then there is an increased likelihood of being satisfied with the systems as an end user.

Reference

Karimi, F., Poo, D. C., & Tan, Y. M. (2015). Clinical information systems end user satisfaction: the expectations and needs congruencies effects. Journal of biomedical informatics, 53, 342-354.

Reply to Thread

• Do health professionals have the right to conscientiously object to providing care if it varies from their own personal moral and ethical belief system? Apply the four ethical principles to your response and give an example relating to each principle.
• How would you handle a work-related situation or directive that conflicts with your morals and beliefs?
• Would your answer to either question above be different based on your chosen profession in healthcare? Explain.

In this unit, you have learned about management information systems (MIS) and the importance of it. For this assignment, compose a paper that discusses the key differences between data, information, information technology (IT), and information systems (IS). Your paper should address the components listed below.

• Define what is meant by information.
• Define what is meant by data.
• Create two matrices (one for data and one for information) that illustrate the key differences between information and data, place the matrices into your paper, and briefly discuss the differences in one or two paragraphs. Each matrix should contain characteristics and/or facts  about the subjects (data and information) that show how they are different.
• Define IT.
• Define IS.
• Using the five-component model as an example, discuss some differences between IT and IS.

If you are using Microsoft Word, you can develop a matrix using this program. For an example of how to create a matrix using Microsoft Word, see the Microsoft.com explanation by clicking the link below.

Microsoft. (n.d.). Create a matrix. Retrieved from https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Create-a-matrix-0E74423D-2E28-4DEB-9223-A30C2312CC22

You may use another computer software program that you are familiar with to create the matrices. However, you must submit your assignment in a Microsoft Word document, and the matrices should be included in the body of your paper.

Your paper must be a minimum of two pages in length (not counting the title and reference pages), and you must use at least two resources as references. Any information from these resources must be cited and referenced in APA format.

For this week’s discussion, you will be asked to visit the Legacy Project website, created by Karl Pillemer at Cornell University (referenced in your textbook). This site includes a collection of stories and practical advice from older adults who share meaningful life lessons on a wide range of topics. Follow the directions below to complete this activity.

• Go to the Legacy Project website by clicking here.
• Scroll down to the BROWSE BY link located on the left hand-side menu.
• Select a topic that appeals to you by clicking on its respective link (some options presently listed there include: Love and Marriage, Raising Children, Work and Career, Money, How To Be Happy, Faith and Spirituality, Aging Well, Health, Worry and Stress, Staying Connected, Values To Live By, War and Peace, Facing the End of Life, Living With Loss, Compassionate Living, The Lighter Side, Avoiding Regrets)
• Find a blog entry from the list that appeals to you. After reading and reflecting, write your discussion post following the guided questions below:
• Post a scenario of how a social worker’s personal, ethical, and moral values in relation to the LGBTQ community might conflict with those of their clients. E
• Why does his/her idea appeal to you? (i.e., How does the topic relate to your own life?).
• What are your personal views on this topic? What is your personal experience with this topic that you are willing to share? How did the blog inform your opinion? (Did it change or was it validated?)
• How does the blog entry fit into one (or more) of the models or concepts studied in this week’s assigned textbook chapter? (i.e., Jung’s Psychoanalytic Perspective, Erikson’s Psychosocial Model, Self-Concept and Self-Esteem, Successful Aging, Resilience, etc.)
• Discuss how you see the role of the Legacy Project in the context of our society. What benefits can it offer? What limitations, if any? Be specific and provide examples.
• Explain what connections you have been able to make between the concepts studied in this week’s assigned readings and the content presented in this video lecture
• Follow the grading rubric for discussion board posts and follow-up comments to complete this activity.

The LGBTQ community continues to experience incidences of prejudice and bias. Not only are these prejudices exemplified in interpersonal interactions through slurs and violent acts but also in the policies maintained in social work agencies and institutions. On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court extended marriage rights to same-sex partners. Since this ruling, the federal government has extended all federal and military/veteran benefits to married same-sex couples. Despite this progress, states continue to debate laws and policies that would legalize forms of discrimination toward LGBTQ individuals. Advocacy organizations, such as the Human Rights Campaign, provide policy maps showing the different rights provided in different states (see https://www.hrc.org/state-maps). Social workers are expected to fight to eliminate these inequalities throughout communities, programs, and institutions.

Around the world, members of the LGBTQ community continue to struggle for their rights. In some countries, they have made some progress. In 2016, 20 countries legally recognized marriage for same-sex couples (Human Rights Campaign, 2016). However, in other countries, the LGBTQ community faces much greater obstacles, and the consequences of fighting for basic rights are grave for both LGBTQ individuals and allies. Being gay is a crime punishable by death in 10 countries and is illegal in a total of 73 countries (Human Rights Campaign, 2016). Because of the violence and social exclusion experienced globally, LGBTQ individuals may seek refugee status because of their sexual orientation or gender identity/expression (UN High Commissioner for Refugees [UNHCR], 2016).

Human Rights Campaign. (2019). State Maps of Laws & Policies. Retrieved from https://www.hrc.org/state-maps

Human Rights Campaign. (2016). International. Retrieved from http://www.hrc.org/explore/topic/international

UN High Commissioner for Refugees. (2015). Protecting persons with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities: A global report on UNHCR’s efforts to protect Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex asylum-seekers and refugees. Retrieved from http://www.refworld.org/docid/566140454.html

To prepare: Consider the following statement:

NASW encourages the adoption of laws that recognize inheritance, insurance, same-sex marriage, child custody, property, and other rights in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender relationships. The Association firmly believes that all federal protections and responsibilities available to legally married people in the United States should be available to people who enter same sex unions (including domestic partnerships, civil unions, and same sex marriages).

Then, read or view the United Nations Address on Global LGBT Rights by Hillary Clinton.

Clinton, H. (2011, December). Gay rights abroad. Speech delivered in recognition of International Human Rights Day, Geneva, Switzerland. Text posted with permission from the White House Office of Communications at https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/06/hillary-clinton-gay-rights-speech-geneva_n_1132392.html?ref=mostpopular

Xtra. (2012, March 13). Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s historic LGBT speech – full length – high definition. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIqynW5EbIQ

By Day 7 of Week 7

Submit a 2-3 page reaction to this statement of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Describe what you think is the role of social workers in equal rights and access to LGBTQ populations. Next provide a detailed explanation of your reaction to the United Nations Address on Global LGBT Rights. Then, explain why, in the context of practicing social work in North America, it is important for us to acknowledge and address sexual orientation and gender diversity of marginalized populations across the world. Explain the role of social workers on an international level in relation to the rights of the LGBTQ community. Identify specific skills and actions you would employ as an advocate.

For this week’s writing prompt, write a 1.5-2 page MLA-formatted essay in which you address the following prompt (which can be found as Question 5 following “An Ancient Remedy Reexamined:”

Research an old-fashioned or obscure remedy for a medical problem (for example, potato for a spider bite, lemon juice for an earache, or olives for motion sickness). Find out to what degree this remedy has been shown to be effective, and then write a report on this remedy to convince your readers of its effectiveness or lack thereof.

This short essay will be graded credit/no credit based on the thoroughness with which the essay addresses the prompt.

Read and complete the following essay question below in 100 words or more.

What are science fair projects? How do they relate to the assessment of science concepts and science processes?

Complete your essay in a Word document (double-space), save and upload to this week’s assignment link. Remember to include a header (this includes your name) at the top of your assignment, and cite reference(s) used to complete assignment.

Lesson plan; please pick any topic on physical, nutrition, safety, etc. and write up a lesson plan on how you would teach it to a certain grade/age (that you can choose), modifications for special needs, length, skills achieving, movement concept, and any discipline/safety needed. Please use the attached lesson plan form.

Lesson Plan Form

Teacher:	Subject:
Grade Level:	Unit Title:	Lesson Title:

Objectives (Be Specific):

Competencies/Standards:

Anticipatory Set: (List specific statements, guiding questions, or activities you will use to focus students on the lesson for the day.)

Goal/ Purpose: (For the student’s benefit, explain what students will be able to do by the end of the lesson and why these objectives are important to accomplish.):

Input (Prerequisite Knowledge): What information is essential for the student to know before beginning and how will this skill be communicated to students?

Materials and Equipment needed: (Indicate Sources.)

Guided Practice: Activities and procedures (Include Time allocations.):

· Introductory activities:

· Developmental Activities:

· Concluding Activities:

· Alternative activities – emergency fillers: (use in case of technology resources are unavailable)

Model: Helping students make personal connections:

Check for Understanding: Adjustments for individual needs

Closure: Method of Evaluation (Assessment Type):

Independent Practice: Assignments – homework or in class supervised study

was it important for the ancient Israelites to remember their story?

There are many chapters and passages in the bible that are dedicated to the discussion of the history of Israelites. There are long creation stories in genesis, a review by Moses on the exodus of Israelites Deuteronomy that gives a steady discussion of all the major historical event. Deuteronomy occurs in the plains of Moab that is in the east bank of Jordan river. I believe that for the ancient Israelites, the purpose of Deuteronomy was punishment. I say this because they rebelled against God and didn’t trust in him, so he let them stay on Mt. Sinai for one year, and they traveled through the wilderness for thirty-eight years. “Indeed, the Lord’s own hand was against them, to root them out from the camp, until all had perished.” (Deuteronomy 1:15). God was doing this so that they can perish because they doubted the Lord, and he didn’t want them to go to the promised land. Deuteronomy 1:34 says “When the Lord heard your words, he was wrathful and swore: 35 “Not one of these—not one of this evil generation—shall see the good land that I swore to give to your ancestors, 36 except Caleb, son of Jephunneh. He shall see it, and to him and his descendants, I will give the land on which he set foot, because of his complete fidelity to the Lord.” During the accent times; following god’s words and laws was a true test of faith for many people those who did not abide by them were punished. Deuteronomy also talks about how God wanted his people to trust in him and keep all his commands.

How does the biblical story connect to your own life?

I believe my life is centered around the bible, I find myself consistently thinking about how blessed and thankful to God I am. Like many others around the world, whether if we are born rich or poor, we are still thankful. For example, having to work two jobs in order to pay for my classes that will go towards my degree. As a result, I am thankful to god because he has installed in me the ability to work hard toward my dreams. At the same time, receiving my high school diploma and getting hired as a department store manager. Did not happen due to my hard work but god work so I always thank god for my blessings little or small. I think that even though these blessings may seem to come from our own hard work. However, in fact it comes from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. That why I believe that it is right to gives thanks to god through living our lives in justly and listen to what he tells us to do. Like abiding by the ten commandments god is giving us a set of laws to live by. Although, it may be a little hard to apply every part of the Ten Commandments to my everyday life at once. It’s important to me to continue to work every day to apply each of the Ten Commandments to my everyday life. In Deuteronomy 16:1-7 is where God provides and asks for a small sacrifice in return for his grace.

1. Compare and contrast the impact of the regulatory strength of national ministries of trade in Japan or Germany versus India. How did trade ministries of Japan or Germany help lead that country to long-term growth? Discuss the role of the bureaucracy in India and if you think it can successfully lead the country to long-term economic growth.
2. Select one developing country that you think may become an emerging market in the next ten years. Discuss which statistics & criteria led to your selection.

1. Research the G20 at its website, http://www.g20.org. Identify the current priorities and focus of the organization. Based on what you have learned about the history of the international monetary system and recent events and changes, do you agree with the current focus? What would you change?
2. Select a large global consumer products or manufacturing company to work for. Review the sidebar on General Motors in Chapter 6, Section 1 “What Is the International Monetary System?”. You are a member of your company’s postwar planning policy group. Review the conflict in Iraq. What would you recommend to your senior management about local prospects for your company in the country and region?

Review the “contraceptive mandate”, and identify stakeholder perspectives related to this policy. For example, what are the conservative perspectives on this issue? What are the liberal perspectives? What are the legal implications of the policy on stakeholders? How would a religious stakeholder consider the policy? What are the ethical implications on stakeholders? What are the cultural implications on our society as a whole? What is your perspective and why?

This paper will vary in length, but should not exceed 2 pages, double‐spaced (not including references). Be sure to properly cite any references used in APA format

Now if you were to participate in a foreign experience study abroad program or Peace Corps volunteer work, which country would you choose?

Why did you choose this country?

 

Any perceptions Have you ever interacted/encountered people from this country here in the US?

Now, research their culture, history and common health related problems. What did you find?

Anything fascinating things you learned, any challenges you would likely encounter if you traveled there, any cultural competency or awareness issues?

Are any of their health problems similar to the ones you see here in the U.S.?

Are they caused by similar factors (e.g. inactivity, poor diet, etc.)?

In this scenario, hackers launch cyber attacks that affect several parts of the nation’s financial infrastructure over the course of several weeks. Specifically, sensitive credit card processing facilities are hacked and numbers are released to the Internet, causing 120 million cards to be canceled; automated teller machines (ATMs) fail nearly simultaneously across the nation; major companies report payroll checks are not being received by workers, and several large pension and mutual fund companies have computer malfunctions so severe that they are unable to operate for more than a week. Identify the countermeasures that need to be implemented to prevent these cyberattacks from occurring in the future.

what type(s) of countermeasures need to be implemented to prevent the cyber attack described above from occurring in the future. Be specific in recommending countermeasures for this scenario.

During the last decade, the severity and the impact of the economic downturn have affected all levels of government to a degree not experienced since the 1930’s.  The news seems to get worse each day, and the daily reports of fire service cutbacks became widespread from the largest to the smallest departments, each with staff to pay, ongoing pension costs, and many with outstanding capital bond payments and lease payments.  If this economic meltdown has done nothing else for the fire service, it has highlighted the importance of chief executives understanding all facets of the budget.
For your final project, you are to explain some of the economic problems that many cities are facing and the solutions that are being implemented by U.S. fire departments to cope with their shrinking budgets.
1. Research and discuss some economic problems facing U.S. cities.

2. Use the Internet to search for solutions being implemented by at least 5 fire departments.
3. Describe the solutions for each department.
4. Discuss whether the solutions were a success or failure.

Your paper must be a minimum of 5 full APA formatted pages not counting the title page, abstract page and reference page and must use a minimum of 5 academically recognized sources.

Please see the APA Guides in the Lessons section of the classroom for further information on the proper APA formatting of your paper.

Please create your response in a Word document and upload as an attachment for submission.
All writing assignments must be submitted in APA format and shall include the following:
1. Title Page
2. Abstract
3. Main Body (With proper in-text citations) to include an Introduction and Conclusion
4. Reference Page (Be sure to pay attention to the indentions for each source)
Be sure to include a correct Running Head on each page.

Case Review: Due: October 18th, 2019

Topic: Access to Care / Vulnerable Populations

Access it through this link:

https://www.practicalbioethics.org/case-studies-i-know-what-youre-thinking.html

Integrate the model concepts and the College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) ethics tool kit, which includes a model adapted from the seven (7) step process of Nelson (2005) in the case study analysis. To access the toolkit click on the link below:

https://www.ache.org/about-ache/our-story/our-commitments/ethics/ache-code-of-ethics/creating-an-ethical-culture-within-the-healthcare-organization/ethics-toolkit (Links to an external site.)

Explain each of these seven points and integrate the Planetree Model to support each of the steps in the process of conflict resolution.

For you to get the full credit for this assignment:

• Ensure to include at least five (5) relevant research (evidenced-based) articles (5-yrs from today or earlier) to support the ethical opinion-based arguments (25pts)
• Follow the case review guidelines (use the ACHE tool kit & the Patient Centerness concepts from the Planetree Model) (20pts)
• Provide a detailed ethical analysis of the original case study and moral dilemma that you will develop (25pts)

4 pages double spaces + reference page + first page =6 pages total

• Apa format

 

Respond to questions 1-4. Write your answers in Short Essay Format. Be sure to include reasons and facts as required to support your answers. Cite examples when required. Minimum response length for all the questions is 1 page, singled spaced. Maximum response length is 2 pages.

1. Which characteristics of effective problem solvers do you feel that you possess? Which characteristics do you feel that you need to improve?

2.  Which of the “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” do you think would help make you a better problem solver and a more successful person? Why?

3. Discuss which of the “Seven Actions for a Successful Career” that you believe are the most important, and explain why they are important to you. Describe how you will practice the actions most important to you.

4.  Think of 4 adjectives that describe yourself. How do those adjectives that describe yourself help make you a better team player? How do those adjectives make you potentially a worse team player?

– Use black text only.
–          Text size needs to be 12 point size.
–          Text needs to be single spaced.
–          Margins on the document should be 1’’ on all side

– Content:
Opinion: When a question asks for your opinion, its answer is exactly that – your opinion. Feel free to use your own opinion.
Cite Examples:  you may use a citation right after the answer to a question, or you may list your references at the end. It is not required to have a separate reference page.
Stating the Question before Answering It: While some reports require that you state the question before your answer, is not required to do this.
Pictures: Resist the temptation for using pictures unless it is required. Instead, focus on your writing abilities.

– Short Essay Format
Short essay format is a format that requires at least two paragraphs for each answer. Please remember that a paragraph is not just one, two, or three sentences in length.

Due after 26 hours.

In Week 1, you selected Walmart as the organization for your course project.  Continue to use Wal-Mart to complete this part of the final project.  You will need to select one host country where the company operates to compare with the home country.

Prepare a report on the following topics.

• Analyze the cultural, governmental, and legal differences between the home country and one host country for the organization selected.  Propose suggestions for managing the differences.
• Assess the communication styles between the two countries and develop an optimal plan to avoid miscommunication.
• Compare and contrast the negotiation styles for the home and host countries.  Using Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions, develop an appropriate negotiation style for the home country to use when negotiating in the host country.
• Evaluate the leadership styles of the current CEO/leader of the organization selected and one previous CEO or other executive with a different leadership style.  Propose the most appropriate leadership style for leaders of the company when working with employees in the host country.
• Assess skills that a manager of the company needs when transferring to the host country.  Consider the needs of the industry too.

Submission Details:

• Present your report as a 5 page Microsoft Word document, using APA style.
• Week 1 Paper is AttachedRunning head: WALMART

  WALMART 7

  Title

  Student’s name

  Institutional affiliation

  Date

  Organization overview

  Walmart has been a World class leader in providing a variety of customer services at a very lower price compared to its competitors. Its marketing strategies have experience splendid results thus leading to the company’s faster growth and having an indicator in the market segments. Its rapid growth from its inception has been attributed to its keen desire in taking a quick note of the customer wants and actualizing them as a priority. In as much there are several competitors of Walmart, they, however, cannot beat its prices. Walmart has a unique taste of offering world-class services at a relatively lower price. Although there is usually a general assumption attributed to the low cost of products with the claim that cheap products are of poor quality, Walmart has toppled this equilibrium. Its products are undoubted of high quality and thus has enabled it to get sustained on the market since the consumers have a taste of liking and value to them (Kenny & Stecher, 2018).

  The company’s tangible assets include its financial muscle depicted by its annual revenues, approximately 6000 stores across the world, it has numerous vehicles used in supplying goods to the customers and investments in stock which is in its stores. Walmart’s intangible resources are its brand and its domain name shown through Walmart official website. The Walmart brand is the most vital intangible asset since it makes it distinct to other companies in the market. Additionally, Walmart has invested heavily in hiring employees with high mental capabilities. The wetware provided by these employees is an intangible asset which is integral in improving its business functionality. The company has a rich infrastructure built over many years for effective distribution of goods and services. Walmart has high competency in providing satisfaction to its customers. It achieves this through its business culture which calls for an utmost commitment to customers. Furthermore, Walmart has rich capabilities in logistics which improve its business functionality. The main Walmart geographical divisions are, “U.S. – Northeast, U.S. – Northwest, U.S. – Southeast, U.S. – Southwest, U.S. – Midwest, U.S. – Northern California, U.S. – Bay Area, U.S. – Los Angeles, U.S. – San Diego, U.S. – Texas, Eastern Canada, Western Canada, United Kingdom, Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, Japan, Australia (Caraway, 2015).”

  Globalization

  Globalization has increased today. In most cases, the trend is increasing due to an incessant growth in technology. What’s more, customers are buying goods from companies through electronic payment methods. This continues to fuel global marketing trends. Today, the most globalized business is the retail business. This industry is more global since it involves satisfaction of needs. As such, Walmart has adopted to the trend to ensure that its customers are satisfied. In most cases, Walmart provides customers with the opportunity to buy their goods online. The customers can shop at the convenience of their homes. This is a positive trend for Walmart. Globalization increases the number of customers the retail business serves. Walmart offers delivery services at a reasonable price. The adoption of online business together with marketing ensures higher customer satisfaction.

  From its inception, Walmart has a unique history of being the only company to have successfully started under one roof. Its business culture is to ensure customer satisfaction. Through this culture, policies implemented are directed towards more customer satisfaction. However, the company’s global pricing strategy has enabled it to balloon in the number of other branches until its current international outlook (Damanpour & Aravind, 2018). It’s secret of maintaining the lower priced but quality products have indeed given it a spiral growth since it stands as the most immediate choice for consumers due to its pocket friendliness. It is also important to confirm that the only strategy to overcome competitors in the technique of restructuring the pricing of the items (Marengo & Pasquali, 2016). Therefore, Walmart has been an impending hard surface to hit by the competitors due to its strategic pricing skills. The ability to offer economical prices has been the main secret in reaching to new regions for ventures as well as retaining the majority of its customers thus attaining their loyalty to the company. Indeed, this strategy has reaped beneficial landmarks to the company.

  The aspect of providing World-class products to its customers at a lower price indeed makes it the most economical world service providers and hence a World leader in the market. Getting the best quality products alongside the best possible pricing level is indeed gives customers a no better option but the Walmart choice. The strategy itself automatically eliminates other choices as they stand only after Walmart. Having its products standardized to the best World class gives it the identity of the company meant for any nature of consumers hence can withstand in any economic spell.

  Consumption patterns

  Customer preferences continue to change every day. Today, clients prefer certain services which were previously unavailable. In the retail industry, the most notable pattern is the customer’s need to shop without actually visiting the business. If a business can provide online services, then it is due to receive numerous customers. Further, customers prefer to shop for goods which can be preserved for a long time. Thing implores businesses to change their production. This is the case for Walmart. The retail chain has shifted its focus to satisfy the new customer preferences. The change is necessary to keep customers. Further, Walmart leaders cultivate a culture which places the customer as central to the business. This implies that all other stakeholders in the business must shift their focus to ensure maximum customer satisfaction. What’s more, the leaders support innovation of new ideas. Employees are allowed to formulate new methods of providing holistic services to customers. This type of leadership is known as transformational leadership (Damanpour & Aravind, 2018).

  Transformational leadership made up of a visionary team can result in success in any company. Such kind of leadership has been responsible for huge success in this company. As such transformational leadership as described help in transforming the values, emotions, standards, and goals of employees. Motivating employees by giving them incentives through emotions identifies a leader. The distinctive characteristic seen in all this company is its success in the implementation of their core business goals abroad.

  Leadership

  Operating abroad comes with a number of challenges for leaders. The most obvious challenge is differences in culture. Operating in communities with different values and norms has been a challenge for Walmart leadership. The cultural beliefs influence how customers shop for certain goods. The leaders have to understand other cultures and pass the knowledge to employees. Further, communication barriers affect interaction with customers. In most cases, the leaders do not understand the local language. This is solved by hiring employees from the local country. Different countries have different needs for goods and services. This means that Walmart shopping trends is different in countries abroad. Political and economic stability of the host country affects revenues. In countries where there is political instability, Walmart has lower profit margins. In spite of these challenges, leadership abroad offers individuals with the opportunity to learn and explore. Walmart leaders working abroad have the opportunity to understand the culture and ways of the local people. The learning opportunity makes them more competent (Marengo & Pasquali, 2016).

  References Caraway, B. (2015). OUR Walmart: a case study of connective action. Information, Communication & Society, 907-920. Damanpour, F., & Aravind, D. (2018). Organizational structure and innovation revisited: From organic to ambidextrous structure. Handbook of Organizational Creativity, 502-503. Kenny, B., & Stecher, A. (2018). Walmart in the Global South: Workplace Culture, Labor Politics, and Supply . london: U of Texas Press. Marengo, L., & Pasquali, C. (2016). How to get what you want when you do not know what you want: A model of incentives, organizational structure, and learning. Organization Science, 1298-1310.

Anthr 1: Second Assignment Due Friday 10/18/2019 by 11:00 p.m.

Primate research report (20 points)

Assignment Overview

This Second Assignment asks you to gather appropriate information from at least three (3) reputable sources and write a cohesive short report on your choice of a living, non-human primate species. Your detailed and original report will demonstrate your understanding of the physical and social adaptations of your chosen species.

A. Your first paragraph must identify your chosen non-human primate by its scientific name (genus and species), its common name and the location of primary wild population(s) in the world. Explain briefly why you chose this particular species. Your first paragraph must end with a thesis statement that encapsulates your plan to provide information about this species.

B. IMPORTANT: This assignment is about a specific species of living, non-human primate.

a. DO NOT write about a general group term like lemur, monkey or ape.

b. Make sure that the species you chose to write about is a non-human PRIMATE.

C. Present and analyze the current scientific research regarding this topic.

D. Your paper must end with a clear and concise conclusion that recaps your presentation and restates your thesis.

So … how do I do this?

1. Identify your chosen non-human primate species by its scientific name (genus and species) and its common name in English. Where (in the world) do they live? What do they look like? Is there sexual dimorphism in this species? What is the size of the average group? Are they diurnal or are they nocturnal?

2. Discuss the ecology of your chosen non-human primate. This section should be the largest section in your report.

a. What is the environment in which these creatures live in the wild? What do they eat? How do they get their food? How active are these primates in relation to the types of food that they eat? What is the average size of the group? What dangers do they face (predators, for example, each other, maybe?).

b. What are the behavioral relationships between each other in this particular species (social strategies)? What is their primary social group structure? Who “leads” the group? Are their dominance hierarchies in this primate species? How many offspring do the females generally have at one time? How long to offspring stay with their birth group? Is the group female philopatric or is it male philopatric, or do all offspring leave their birth group at or around sexual maturity?

3. Finish your report with a brief discussion about the current prospects for continuity of this species in its natural habitat (endangered status).

4. Submit your completed assignment by clicking on the Turn-It-In link at the bottom of the Assignment page on the course website.

IMPORTANT: Canvas does not accept work submitted in .pages or as Google Docs, Google Drive shared documents or as ZIP files. Submit your paper as a Word doc or .docx or as .rtf or .pdf file. I cannot grade your paper if I cannot open it!

REQUIREMENTS for this assignment:

A. Type your name, the topic (Second Assignment) and the due date in the top left corner of your paper. DO NOT put anything else at the top of the page. DO NOT use a cover page, DO NOT include an abstract for this paper.

B. Minimum at least two full pages of text. 2 to 3 pages is an appropriate length for this assignment. Double-spaced, one-inch margins (check your left and right margins), typed in English, 12-point font.

C. Include a full source page at the end of your report (three sources minimum, more is better). List complete source citations in APA format. Include as much of the following information as possible: author(s) family name followed by first initial, year of publication, title of article or book, name of journal, magazine or book including volume/issue and page numbers of publication, website where the article was published, date of website information retrieval.

Website APA citation format examples:

The Writing Center. (2019). Plagiarism. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved January 4, 2019, from https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/plagiarism/

D. Use in-text citations to identify the source(s) of quoted and/or technical and/or highly specialized information included in your paper. In-text citations look like this: (family name of author, first initials of author, year of publication). For example: (Smithson, J. 2019). DO NOT use footnotes. DO NOT include the entire source citation as an in-text citation.

E. IMPORTANT: Do not plagiarize information presented in your paper. Do not copy from any source, including the article(s) you use as references. Do not copy and paste or change a few words in someone else’s sentence structure and call if your own. This is still plagiarism! Plagiarized papers will receive a score of “0”.

Grading Rubric

This assignment is worth 20 points: 15 points for content and 5 points for correctly written source page. I am looking for a well written, original and concise report on a specific topic, as well as a properly constructed reference page that contains all sources of information used in this report.

· Excellent work (score 18-20): Demonstrates thorough understanding of the topic through specific, detailed discussion. Analysis addresses all aspects of the assignment prompt. Conclusion is comprehensive and concise.

· Good work (score 16-17): Demonstrates moderate understanding of the topic through discussion, but lacks sufficient detail. Analysis addresses aspects of the assignment prompt, but is skewed towards the student’s point of view (did not analyze the topics, just answered the questions). Conclusion is adequate but not thorough.

· Adequate work (score 14-15): Demonstrates some understanding of the topic but lacks sufficient discussion and details. Analysis lacks details and/or insufficient understanding of research information. Able to draw generic conclusion or missing conclusion.

· Inadequate work (score 12-13): Demonstrates some understanding of the topic, but little effort was made to complete this assignment. Opinion outweighs analysis, little demonstration of having learned anything about the topic.

· Not acceptable work (score 11 or below): Did not understand the assignment.

· Plagiarized work or no assignment submitted: score of “0”

Email me at jsmithson@peralta.edu if you have difficulty uploading your assignment!