Presents a complete quantitative study assessing the influence of strategic management systems on the healthcare provider's organizational performance.
Abstract This paper is a research proposal to provide insights into how healthcare providers can achieve higher levels of effectiveness in diagnosing, treating and ensuring the long-term health and satisfaction of patients by researching the correlation between investments in strategic management systems and healthcare organization effectiveness and performance. In addition, this research evaluates how the extent of system integration increases healthcare providers' performance over the long term. An essential aspect of any research into strategic management systems implementation is the level of adoption the system achieves. Specifically addressing how Web-based interfaces including portals increasing system adoption and lead to lasting change in healthcare organizations is also addressed. Several tables, figures, and graphs are included with the paper.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Problem Statement
Theory
Literature Review
Research Design
Methodology
Analysis of Results
Summary Tables and Histograms
Findings and Discussion
Software
Hardware
Services
Conclusions
Appendix: Correlations
From the Paper "The third hypothesis, that of healthcare systems delivering a positive ROI would require the financial statements of the hospitals and healthcare centers whose data is used in the study. There is however overwhelming evidence that healthcare systems integrated using SOA architectures deliver positive ROI as have been cited in this study. The development of educational programs is also clearly an issue for many hospitals and healthcare centers relative to AIDS/HIV as the basis of mortality."
Abstract This paper discusses the accessibility to the Internet for those with visual and cognitive disabilities. The paper presents the results of research completed of a graphical user interface that seeks to increase usability and accessibility of websites for users with visual and cognitive disabilities. It also looks at the website being agile enough to be usable by both inexperienced and experienced Web users.
Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
Current State of Web Accessibility and Usability Research Results
Analysis and Interpretation
Conclusion
From the Paper "The research completed for this paper specifically focuses on the levels of accessibility and usability as measured from 20 questionnaire responses, six of which were asked to complete additional testing. The testing methodology concentrated on interviewing respondents regarding their perceptions of ease of use regarding an icon-based website relative to navigating www.amazon.com.uk looking for a specific product. Respondents were asked for their demographic data in addition to classifying themselves relative to their learning disabilities, level of experience using the Internet, and if their judgment of whether an icon-based website was easy-to-use, and if they would consider using it again. The methodology also tested the completion of search tasks on www.amazon.com.uk."
Abstract This paper analyzes a case in which a mother (who is a hospital employee) demands access to her daughter's original medical records for the purpose of altering the records.
From the Paper "This case involves a situation in which a minor teenage girl has been determined by physician examination at a hospital to be pregnant ..."
Tags: Medical, Privacy, Access, to, Medical, Records, Electronic, Storage, Access, Control
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce and discuss available methods to secure a network so people can access it remotely. The paper describes the network administrators? challenge of securing an enterprise network from hackers. The author writes that with software and hardware innovations, consultants and companies specializing in enterprise security, showing up practically everyday, network security is attainable.
From the Paper "When the first public access networks were installed in Berkley, California in the mid 1970s, the principle was to provide people the means to share information. Restricting access to a remote computer system or protecting it was an unimaginable concept."
Abstract This paper analyzes the importance of and how to assess the usability of websites for disabled individuals. It discusses ways that this testing can be conducted in order to ensure usability for this population group. The paper concludes that it is only through testing with disability participants that truly useful and usable website tools can be created and implemented.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Research Options & Limitations
Informal Methods of Research
Formal Methods of Research
Section 1194.31 Functional Performance Criteria
Determination of Participants in Usability Studies
Variables in Disabilities Categories
Data Collection and Analysis
Case Study Conducted by Yu & Brewster (2002)
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "It is important to note the importance given to informal methods of testing website usage among the disabled in the work entitled "Accessibility in User-Centered Design: Usability Testing" that: It is most efficient to conduct other types of evaluations before investing in formal usability testing with people with disabilities. "In one case, an organization conducted usability testing of their educational software application with screen reader users. It was unusable with a major screen reader. Every user gave up in frustration and confusion within 20 minutes, after trying every strategy they knew to get at the content. The organization wasted L6000 on formal usability testing to figure out what they could have learned with easier, less expensive evaluation methods. Conducting informal evaluations throughout a product development project is more effective than formal usability testing at the end of a project." (Lawton, 2004-2007)"
An overview of poisson regression analysis and its application to an exploration of the relationship between adequacies of sleep and injuries sustained by children between 18 months and 4 years of age.
Abstract This paper provides a brief description on regression models and how they share the same elements, the dependent variable, the independent variables and the error term. In particular, the paper focuses on what to do when the variable to be predicted is a count data and how the appropriate modeling technique to be used is poisson regression. Poisson regression assumes that the dependent variable Y comes from a poisson distribution. To demonstrate an application of the poisson regression the paper "Inadequate Sleep and Unintentional Injuries in Young Children" by Koulouglioti, C., Cole, R., and Kitzman is presented and analysed.
Outline:
Introduction
Basic Concepts
Generalized Linear Models
Poisson Regression Model Fitting
Assessing Model Adequacy
Sample Article
Background
Objective
Dependent Variable
Independent Variables
Analysis and Results
Conclusion
From the Paper "There are cases when the dependent variable Y can take only several discreet values. When a model's objective is to predict a new business venture's success based on several factors, the dependent variable Y can only be any of the values 'Successful' or 'Not Successful'. In a similar fashion, if the model's objective is to predict the number of appliances that will be broken down while being shipped to a warehouse, it is not logical to have predicted values that are not count data. A value of 3.5, 1.03 or 4.2 will not make any sense. In this case the predicted values of the dependent variable to be given by the models should be constrained to non-negative integers."
Tags: Dependent, Variable, Independent, distribution
Abstract This paper discusses the roles that activity based costing, regression analysis, and just in time manufacturing and inventory techniques have in given organizations. This paper bases the study on Container Plastics, a manufacturer of plastic containers, and relates these issues to the manufacturing environment as well as the general organizational environment.
Abstract This paper takes a look at the ABC Corporation, which has employees that are accruing large amounts of vacation time and then not using that time or losing it because of company rules regarding how much time an employee can carry. ABC wants to test, through regression analysis, whether this is a legitimate, company-wide problem or whether it is only occurring in isolated cases.
Outline:
Introduction: A Look at the Problem
Methodology
Results
From the Paper "Once an employee has been with ABC for five years, that employee will accrue three weeks of vacation time per year (15 days, or 120 hours). That results in an accrual rate of 4.6 hours per pay period. Finally, once employees have been with ABC for 10 years, they accrue vacation time at a rate of four weeks per year (20 days, or 160 hours), or 6.2 hours per pay period. This is the highest rate of vacation time accrual at ABC. Furthermore, although employees are allowed to carry vacation time over from one year to the next, they are not allowed to carry more than four weeks. Anything above four weeks, as of Jan.1 of a new year, is forfeited."
A regression analysis used to explain whether police use different standards of severity when dealing with resident versus non-resident drivers in Florida.
Abstract This paper discusses whether police use different standards of severity when dealing with resident versus non-resident drivers in Florida. The paper uses the regression analysis, which estimates the significance of the variation of the dependant phenomenon with the independent and the influence of the latter on the former. The paper explains its analysis and shows that a relationship does exist.
From the Paper "The hypothesis is tested with the confidence level of 95%, thus the allowed chance of rejecting no relationship between the variables when there is actually this relationship, is 5%. Decreasing the confidence level to 90% will give more errors in the model and the model did not result in better relationship. Having carried out this multifactor regression, the result revealed that there is no statistically significant relationship between the over speeding and the fact that the person is a resident or non resident and the gender of the person. The first problem with the model could be the very data set as out of the 536 observations in the population, only 136 were the cases when people were none residents. Thus, the results could be distorted. The R2 in the model is extremely low and reveals that very little variation in the severity of this crime could be explain by the factors in the model. P-values are low only for the intercept and none-residence factor."
Abstract This paper explains Hofstede's cultural dimension theory and describes the dimensions, which measure constructs of power distance, individualism, individualistic society, masculinity and uncertainty avoidance. The paper points out that these cultural dimensions are a barometer of an organization's culture especially in multinational companies. The paper applies this theory to evaluating the marketing and management practices at Wal-Mart and Tesco.
Table of Contents;
Introduction
Shared Values Segmentation and Cultural Dimensions Cultural Dimensions and Competitiveness
Pricing Strategies and Cultural Dimensions Emergence of Cultural Intelligence and Trust as the Lasting Differentiator
Cultural Intelligence leading to Trust: The Foundation of Differentiation
Cultural Dimensions Leading to Values-Based Differentiation
Tesco's Retail Internationalization Process based on Cultural Intelligence
Quantifying Values as Differentiators: A Research Perspective
Attaining the role of Trusted Advisor in Served Markets
Conclusion
From the Paper "Overall, the research on organizational values suggests that a researcher must rely on the value expressions or enacted values of people and organizations. In essence, organizational values are reflected in organizational practices. Research in this area has been undertaken either through qualitative studies involving one or a few organizations or through quantitative, survey-based studies involving a larger number of organizations. In most cases, though, reviews have focused on content or text analysis to identify the espoused or desired values and on surveys to determine the enactment of those values."
This paper discusses Geert Jan Hofstede's cultural dimension research on collectivism/individualism and how it influences learning and classroom behavior.
Abstract This paper uses the research of Geert Jan Hofstede (1991), who identified four cultural dimensions that can be used to classify different cultures. These include: power distance, individualism/collectivism, masculinity/femininity, and uncertainty avoidance. These four dimensions allow the social researcher to compare and contrast different societies with the ultimate goal of bringing about a greater shared understanding. According to this paper, Hofstede's has a useful application in how members from different cultures learn. This paper looks at Hofstede's dimension of individualism versus collectivism and explains its relevance to learning as well as the impact on classroom behaviour. Specifically, the paper compares the United States, a very individualistic society, with that of Taiwan, one of the most collective societies in respect to differences in learning styles and attitude.
From the Paper "One aspect noted that impacts learning and classroom behaviour is what happens after the lecture or class is over. The highly individualistic American students immediately left the classroom, while the collectivist international students stayed behind or met to discuss the class. This post class discussion was necessary as part of the collectivist student's assimilation of the knowledge. Additionally it built the necessary rapport between students of the international backgrounds that went beyond the classrooms. Relationships were developed (Lee, Bei, DeVaney 2007). This is an important part of the collectivist learning experience. According to Hofstede (1991), it is considered more appropriate to speak out in a small group, rather than the larger classroom. This is in stark contrast to the individualist learning style of assimilation in the larger group and/or via independent study."
Abstract In this article, the writer examines the theory of the existence of three different dimensions of listening. The writer describes the three different dimensions as purely musical, sensuous and expressive. In this regard, the writer uses Sting's song "Fields of Gold," in order to demostrate the theory. The writer discusses the appreciation of music in this way.
From the Paper "Aaron Copland argues that we listen to music on three planes, the sensuous the expressive and the sheerly musical. I tried to listen on all three planes to Sting's song 'Fields of Gold' which I had heard many times on the radio and as the third song on his CD Ten Summoner's Tales and listening to it this way gave me a whole new appreciation for his artistry. Copland says that the first plane the sensuous is just enjoying the music without thinking about it. That's how ... "
Abstract This paper examines the poem, "Dimensions," by C.K. Williams. It discusses the elements of the poem such as surrealism and a somehow disjointed view of reality that makes reality itself more real. The paper suggests that "Dimensions" is a poem not only about the different aspects of reality, but the poet's place in that reality as well.
From the Paper "In an interview the C.K. Williams gave to the New England Review, he had the following to say about standing outside the source of your work. The interviewer was asking what seemed at first like a trivial question about how Williams' liked living in Paris. He replied, "There's no question there are advantages to having distance from your home place; you can see certain things more clearly if you're not involved in them every day." (Norris 127) This is the perspective of the poet when viewing everyday life. He is somewhere outside it, though he notes "And sometimes one of us, losing the way,/ will drift over the border and see them there, dying,/laughing, being revived." (Williams xx)"
Identifies causal factors for the gap in health care access for lower-income Americans and visible minorities and the more affluent members of America's majority.
Abstract As the American population continues to become more diverse racially, members of visible minority groups within the population become more prominent. Simultaneously, with the increase in diversity, income distribution in the American economy has become more distorted. While economic growth in the United States has surged over the past decade, the income gap has widened; not only between the richest and poorest Americans, but also between moderate-income and low-income Americans. Members of visible minorities in the population tend to be represented disproportionately in the low-income and poverty classifications in the United States. While there is an abundance of implications of this state of affairs, one of the more crucial ones is access to health care. Individual and household financial capacity, the scarcity of employer-paid health insurance among small businesses, cultural differences based in social psychology and other factors frequently act as impediments to health care access for low-income individuals and households among visible minority population groups in the contemporary United States. This problem and these issues are investigated in this study. The study identifies causal factors for the gap in health care access between lower-income Americans and members of visible minorities in the United States, on the one hand, and more affluent Americans and members of the majority segment of the population, on the other hand. The initial chapter of this study delineates the problem investigated. Specific research questions are formulated and stated to provide greater focus for the investigation.
Social psychological theory and applied social psychology literature are reviewed in the second chapter. Literature relevant to the functioning of low-income and visible minority population groups in the United States within a social psychological context are reviewed in the third chapter. The fourth chapter is devoted to a review of literature relevant to both the health care system in the United States and the experiences of low-income and visible minority population groups in relation to health care access and health care delivery in the United States. An assessment of the problem investigated, performed within the structure of the research questions, is presented in the final (fifth) chapter. Conclusions drawn from the study findings are stated and recommendations for further research are made. The summary conclusions reached through the conduct of this study relate both to health care access and health care utilization by low-income persons and members of visible minorities. With respect to health care access, the summary conclusion reached is that a universal system of health care entitlement is required in the United States. In relation to health care utilization by low-income persons and members of visible minorities, the summary conclusion reached is that extensive education is required for both low-income persons and members of visible minorities, on the one hand, and health care providers, on the other hand. Low-income persons and members of visible minorities require education on the benefits and function of health care services, while health care providers require education in the social mores of the diverse populations they must serve.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Problem Delineation
Background on the Problem
Statement of the Problem
Research Questions
Review of Relevant Social Psychology Theory and Literature
Introduction
Sociological Theory and Health Care
The Welfare State
Accessing Contemporary Health Care
Role of Ethics in Accessing Health Care
Alternative Health Care Delivery Systems
Chapter Conclusions
Social Functioning of Low-Income and Visible Minority Population Groups
Introduction
HIV/AIDS Related Behavior
Initiatives to Improve Health Care
Access and Behaviors
The American Health Care System and the Experiences of Low-Income and Visible Minority Groups
Introduction
The American Health Care System
Analysis of Health Care Delivery Systems
Care Quality
Alternative Approaches to Health Care
Bioethical Issues
Problems of Accessibility Initiatives to Improve Minority Access Chapter Conclusions
Assessment of the Problem Discussion, Recommendations for Further Research
Appendices
Annotated Bibliography
From the Paper "Social Cognitive Theory [self-efficacy] emphasizes the role of expectancies, self-efficacy, peer normative influences, and social competency skills as key components affecting adolescents? behaviors (DiClemente, Lodico, Grinstead, Harper, Rickman, Evans, & Coates, 1996). The applicability of models based on social psychological principles for understanding African-Americans? decision-making and sexual behavior has been questioned because most such models tend to be individually-focused and do not take into account the social context in which the behavior is embedded (Cochran & Mays, 1993). Social cognitive theory, however, explicitly integrates behavioral, cognitive, and environmental factors as reciprocally interactive. Thus, given the hypothesized multi-factorial nature of sexual decision making and the potential impact of the high-risk social environment of the study population, approaches based on social cognitive theory are thought to be particularly relevant for understanding the myriad factors that may affect African-Americans? sexual behavior."
Abstract This paper discusses white as a color and more specifically, white light. The paper describes the qualities of the color white and the multifaceted nature of existence and the way that it relates to significant chemical alterations in nature. The paper goes on to discuss the importance of white light to the scientific understanding of reflective light and the dimensions of other colors.
From the Paper "Dimensions of the Color White Outline I Introduction. White as a color is not often considered to have many dimensions or properties that are significant to either science or society. While white may carry with it the concept of "purity", the color itself is multifaceted and related to significant chemical alterations in nature. White light has been especially important to scientific understanding of reflective light and the dimensions of other colors. Scientifically white must possess certain chemical compounds in order to exist, and in the field of psychology, white speaks to individuals through subconscious messages about the world they live in."
