Abstract This paper discusses the health care delivery systems in the United States. Firstly, it gives an overview of how health care is delivered to the patient. Next, it points out some of the flaws that have been occurring in this system. Additionally, the author explores some of the factors a patient looks for when rating a health care delivery system.
From the Paper "The U.S. health care delivery system was thought to be the best in the world but lately people have started to question this once unchallenged assumption. Some experts have said that our health care delivery system needs to make major improvements. Throughout this paper I will give an overview of the health care delivery system of the U.S. I will discuss the good qualities of our health care delivery system as well as the flaws that occur in it. Additionally I will discuss how health care delivery systems are evaluated. Lastly I will discuss some factors which are important to a patient when it comes to a health care delivery system. The means by which health care is delivered to U.S. patients is changing. The U.S. health care delivery system is comprised of many components including hospitals, outpatient facilities, transitional ..."
Abstract This paper describes the business logic involved in choosing the correct delivery vehicle for a given product. Business managers must consider the specific goods being carried in order to choose the right type and size of vehicle. The paper also examines the other factors that enter the decision: the size of the fleet, the region in which the company operates, the financial health of the company, and a variety of other similar factors.
From the Paper "Acquiring the best delivery vehicle for a specific application is a dynamic decision and must include a thorough investigation into the types of vehicles that work best, the cost and terms of the financing or lease, as well as how it will accommodate the drivers as well as consideration of the type of goods that is to be carried and whether delivery will involve the crossing of state or international borders. This paper examines some of the basic parameters involved when considering how to make the best business decision in acquiring the right delivery vehicle."
Abstract The paper aims to provide insights into how service delivery strategies of the leading companies in the travel and hospital industries are increasingly relying on the employees' and customers' roles in service delivery, in addition to the managing of service supply chains to ensure customers' expectations are consistently met or exceeded. The paper focuses on the call center functions within the Hilton Hotel chain, Southwest Airlines and Avis rental cars. The paper then presents recommendations to ensure service delivery strategies are turned into competitive advantages. The paper explains how service delivery strategies in these industries need to foster and nurture self-efficacy on the part of customers while at the same time keeping the role of employees more clearly defined.
Outline:
Service Delivery Strategy: Background and Introduction
Main Conclusions
Recommendations
Turning Service Delivery Strategies into a Competitive Advantage: Defining the roles of Employees versus Customers
Developing More Effective Demand Forecasts with Role Clarification
Making Self-Efficacy Work Rather Than Hinder Service Delivery Strategies
Future Trends
Limitations, Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "To be effective, service delivery strategies in the travel and hospitality industries need to foster and nurture self-efficacy on the part of customers while at the same time keep the role of employees more clearly defined. The challenge many self companies have, from Hilton Hotels to Southwest Airlines, is to continue the successes obtained in getting customers involved in the service process yet not confusing internal employees about their relative role. In the case of Avis, the division of labor between employee and customer are well-delineated and the supply chain is well defined through a reservation program. Yet for Hilton and Southwest, the challenges of continuing to build on the gains made in customer participation and service that lead to higher levels of customer satisfaction need to be managed to ensure consistent levels of self-efficacy opportunities as well (McKee, Simmers, Licata, 2006). As much empirical research has shown that the higher the level of participation the higher the level of "ownership" on the part of customers, employees are often unsure which part of the process they should also take responsibility and accountability for (Hsieh, Yen, Chin, 2004)."
Abstract This paper explains that three factors led to the development of the Integrated Delivery Systems (IDS) model: A greater interplay between all the players in health care delivery, increased influence of business health groups, and the movement away from "bean counting" to risk management, early detection, and demand prevention. The author points out that Integrated Delivery Systems, no matter their specifics, are primarily for one purpose: To connect users to the information they need to do their job in the health care delivery system as quickly as possible. The paper stresses that the IDS is the best model for leaping the chasm between the ideal medical world of the clinical sector of health care and the ideal financial world of the administrative and operational sector of health care.
Table of Contents
Background
Development
Qualitative Impact of IDS
Economic Impact of IDS
The Future
From the Paper "Shortly after these changes began, "inclusive" delivery models got underway, with early ones being physician-hospital organizations (PHOs) and integrated delivery networks (IDNs); arguably the coexistence of these led to the development of IDSs capable of operating within the four structures another researcher had identified, by 1996, as the evolving types of IDSs. These four models were HMOs, joint ventures such as Columbia/HCA, federations of community hospitals and a "hub and spoke" arrangement bring large medical centers and nearby community hospitals into sync."
Tags: interplay, risk, influence, administrative, case
This paper discusses the article "Maternal Mortality and Severe Morbidity Associated with Low-risk Planned Cesarean Delivery versus Planned Vaginal Delivery at Term" by Liu, Shiliang, Liston, Robert M., Joseph, K.S., Heaman, Maureen, Sauve, Reg,
Abstract In this article the writer reviews the scholarly article, "Maternal Mortality and Severe Morbidity Associated with Low-risk Planned Cesarean Delivery versus Planned Vaginal Delivery at Term", about the relative dangers of cesarean section versus vaginal delivery for women. The paper looks at the purpose of the study and summarizes the results. The writer then describes its strengths and weaknesses and outlines how such findings should be utilized in the future. In addition, two key questions that should guide future investigation are enumerated.
Outline:
Abstract
Purpose of the study
Results of the study
Strengths of the study
Weaknesses of the study
How to use these findings in practice
Two questions for future research
From the Paper "The strengths of the study lie in the fact that few studies this writer has reviewed have been more comprehensive. To wit, the planned cesarean group comprised 46,766 women; for the planned vaginal delivery group, the figure was 2,292,420. Every bit as importantly, the study is longitudinal in nature. Specifically, the study encompasses a 14-year period - a length of time seemingly sufficient to ensure that curious aberrations or anomalies in particular years did not cause fundamental distortions in the findings of the study. Additionally, to ensure the validity of the data findings, the researchers employed adjusted odds ratio and confidence intervals; as well, the authors used multivariate analysis to control for "confounding variables" such as age, year of delivery, and elderly primigravidity - among other factors."
Abstract This paper examines how in his article Legal Aid Delivery Models in Canada: Past Experience and Future Developments", Albert Currie delivers a succinct overview of the history and issues pertaining to Canadian legal aid delivery models over the last twenty years, as well as an indication of current trends. It looks at how Currie shows that the debate over service delivery models is not simply a matter of discussing the relative technical, administrative and costing aspects of different systems.
Abstract This paper focuses on the role of cryptography in wireless networks, smart cards, content delivery services, e-commerce and health care. It discusses the fact that cryptography is an enabling technology that is vital for the development of the information society, including applications such as smart cards (for identification and financial transactions) content delivery services (pay-per-view audio/video) and wireless networks.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Cryptography
Wireless Networks
Smart Cards
Smart Cards for Identification
Content Delivery Services
Cryptography in Ecommerce and Healthcare
Conclusion
From the Paper "Overall, the discussion provided an informative understanding of cryptography and the manner in which it is utilized on a daily basis. It is apparent that each of these technologies is important to industry and individual users and the popularity of these products will probably continue well into the future. The discussion also solidified the fact that cryptography is an enabling technology that is vital for the development of the information society including applications such as smart cards (for identification and financial transactions) content delivery services (pay-per-view audio/video) and wireless networks."
Abstract This paper explains that the very nature of electricity is that it cannot be stored, which does not complement the economic laws of supply and demand; therefore, without government intervention, it is unsure if the industry would adapt to a free market system by providing enough energy to meet affordability public demand but rather divert to monopolistic behavior. The author points out that the federal government intervenes through the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); the Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) assists federal agencies and energy managers by providing services in the areas of financing, technical assistance, outreach and policy and local governments regulate the taking of property through eminent domain, pollution control and various local ordinances.This paper relates that, although government continues in the direction of deregulating the industry, the regulatory reporting requirements have created numerous jobs in the areas of accounting, reporting, and compliance; computer systems, applications, and products in data processing (SAP) help to maximize resources and assist greatly in data management and government reporting compliance.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Brief History of Electricity and the Utilities Industry
Service and Delivery Territorial Boundaries
Welcome to Company "A"
Government Intervention in the Energy Services and Delivery Industry
Brief History
Federal Government Intervention
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
State and Local Government Intervention
Key Government Legislation Affecting the Industry
Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Government Reporting Requirements
Establishing and Maintaining Effective Reporting Systems
Systems, Applications, Products in Data Processing (SAP)
Communicating with SEC Officials
Conclusion
From the Paper "As the demand for energy grew to mass proportion, it was necessary for governments to regulate the industry to prevent harmful monopolistic practices, allowing for public utility companies to service restricted geographic territories to best serve their customers. Many utility companies today generate a minimal amount of electricity and depend on independent system operators (ISO) who act as independent agencies to manage the flow of electricity along the long-distance, high-voltage power lines that make up the bulk of area's transmissions systems. These ISOs safeguard the reliable delivery of electricity.
Federal, state and regional governments collaborate in controlling electricity prices and the supply of electricity because a price or demand increase in one regional area affects electricity costs and supply of nearby regional areas. One region's energy crisis can have a spill over effect into other states and may spread across the country. This became apparent in California when there was not enough supply to meet the demand during California's deregulation of public utilities as California turned to neighboring regional areas to purchase additional power."
This paper presents a study that examines doctor/physician knowledge about minimizing the impact of post-surgery ailments related to unplanned cesarean deliveries.
Abstract The paper reveals that there are several short-term and long-term ailments associated with cesarean deliveries for mothers. This study proposes a semi-structured interview to examine whether physicians have sufficient knowledge about the process to minimize the impact of post-surgery ailments related to unplanned cesarean deliveries. The paper also explores whether physicians across different hospitals adopt identical procedures to minimize this impact. This includes short-term risks, long-term risks and risks to future pregnancies.
Outline:
Introduction
Problem Statement
Purpose of this Study
Definition of Key Concepts
Literature Review
Dependent Variables
Independent Variables
Hypotheses or Research Questions
Research Method
Research Design
Participants
Recruitment Strategy
Sampling Frame
Method of Selecting the Sample Elements
Data Collection
Trustworthiness (Credibility and rigor) of Results
Delimitations
Ethical Issues
Data Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper "Unplanned cesarean deliveries can take place when induced and/or continued labor may turn out to be harmful for either the mother or the child or both. Doctors prefer unplanned cesarean deliveries when the child fails to make a movement towards the birth channel; or when the cervix fails to open up; or when the child's heart rate is abnormal and it is assumed that the child can no longer deal with continued labor; or when prolapsed cord slides through the cervix which endangers child's oxygen supply; or when placental abruption takes place and sufficient oxygen cannot be delivered; or when the water breaks; or when the genital herpes erupts."
Abstract This paper looks at the design and application of a system that allows for the delivery of parcels by courier services, using examples gleaned from the United Parcel Service in the United States and Parcel Force in the United Kingdom.
Abstract Discusses the importance of health care professionals and caregivers being aware of the cultural backgrounds of their patients and of their own cultural biases. Describes how health is affected by style of care. Examines barriers to health care delivery.
From the Paper "According to Irvine, McPhee, and Kerridge (1), physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals and caregivers must be aware of and sensitive to the various ..."
This paper discusses the improvement of home health care delivery through the implementation of quality assessment/ performance improvement (QA/PI) programs
Abstract This paper explains that the improvement of health care programs in the medical industry has spread to home health care delivery in which the physician makes home visits. The author defines quality assessment as the development of data sources and analysis of information generated from patients, which reviews their perception and expectation of quality. The paper concludes with an interview of a physician working in a home care agency who believes that, ever since the implementation of the QA/PI policies, his organization has started to pay close attention to quality performance issues, such as physicians' abilities to meet patient expectations and demands.
From the Paper "There are gatekeepers to the implementation of QA/PI programs. These include the Division Home Health QM Program, Directors Committee, Continuing Care Leaders and Quality Service Leaders, Service Area and Local Agency. These controllers are responsible for the planning of the QA/PI activities into the current systems of organizations that are responsible for home health care delivery. They also are responsible for identifying changing indicators from the consumer perspectives and conducting audit of the agency involved in QA/PI to regular and accredit credible organizations who have maintain their standards according to the AHRQ. Similarly, they are involved in setting criteria for divisional directors of home care quality improvement programs."
Tags: physician, consumer, audit, expectations, data
Abstract This paper defines a marketing plan for a new delivery service of gourmet Chinese food, at the door within 45 minutes, by the publicly-held P.F Chang's China Bistro, a successful restaurant serving Chinese food with a European twist, which enjoys a loyal and growing customer base. The author points out, in the SWOTT analysis, that a weakness of this new product may be P.F. Chang's inexperience in the delivery of food and the consideration that P.F. Chang's original atmosphere may not be projected in this delivery. The paper stresses that an attractive segment for this delivery service is that organizational buyers for "working lunches" of executives and white collar customers seeking options to greasy pizza or other fast food delivery.
Table of Contents
Organizational Overview
New Product Description
Product Mix
SWOTT Analysis of PF Chang's Home Delivery Service
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
Trends
Marketing Research
Segmentation
Differentiation and Positioning
Marketing Mix
Product/Service
Price
Place
Promotion
Direct Mail
TV Ads
Radio Ads
Internet Marketing
In-Store Advertising
Sales Promotion Schedule
Public Relations
The Web
Budget
Evaluation Process
From the Paper "The evaluation process is separated into two aspects; evaluating the decision itself and evaluating the decision process that has been used. Evaluating the decision involves monitoring the market place to determine if more action will be needed in the future. When evaluating the decision process that has been used you want to ask yourself if the marketing research and analysis that was used was effective, flawed or if it could be improved for use with similar situations in the future (Kervin p.226). The measure and control that you use for you marketing plan gives you something to rate your performance on as you develop your business. For instance, the money that you spend on advertising or PR, you can evaluate this against any increase - or decrease - in sales revenue, stock price or numbers of new customers contacting you. These practices will help you measure how effective your marketing activities are."
Abstract The conversion of energy into power has progressed to this day as large corporations comply with governmental regulations that seek to ensure that enough electricity is provided to meet customer demand at a fair price. Energy service and delivery companies have provided shareholder growth through acquisitions and mergers and by cutting costs and integrating systems. This paper shows that the federal government intervenes to protect customers and investors through several commissions and agencies, primarily through the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 and the more recent Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The states' Public Service Commissions regulate and monitor utility prices, service quantity and quality and can prosecute firms guilty of price discrimination. The paper shows that local governments are mainly concerned with the taking of property through eminent domain, pollution control and regional resources. Although government continues in the direction of deregulating the industry, the regulatory reporting requirements have created numerous jobs in the areas of accounting, reporting, and compliance. The paper explains that computer systems, applications, and products in data processing (SAP) help to maximize resources and assist greatly in data management and government reporting compliance.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Brief History of the Utilities Industry
Service and Delivery Territorial Boundaries
Welcome to Energy East
Energy East's Territory
A recent report on Energy East
Government Intervention in the Energy Services & Delivery Industry
Brief History
Federal Government Intervention
The Federal Energy and Regulatory Commission (FERC)
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Regulations Regarding Stocks, Bonds and Derivatives
State & Local Government Intervention
Key Government Legislation Affecting the Industry
Public Holding Company Act of 1935
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Government Reporting Requirements
Establishing and Maintaining Effective Reporting Systems
Systems, Applications, Products in Data Processing (SAP)
Communicating with SEC Officials
Conclusion
Career Opportunities
References
From the Paper "Federal, state and regional governments collaborate in controlling electricity prices and the supply of electricity because a price or demand increase in one regional area affects electricity costs and supply of nearby regional areas. One region's energy crisis can have a spill over effect into other states and may spread across the country. This became apparent in California when there was not enough supply to meet the demand during California's deregulation of public utilities as California turned to neighboring regional areas to purchase additional power. When other states refused to sell electricity to California in their crisis because of risk factors, a government emergency order saved them by requiring out-of-state companies to sell power to that region (Bonsor, 2001). Power outages can spread as they too can have spill over effects onto other regions. This happened in the summer of 2003 when New York City up through Canada experienced a massive black out."
This paper discusses a research report on "Periodontal Disease and Prematurity among Non-smoking Sri Lankan Women" by P.S. Rajapakse, M. Nagarathne, K.B. Chandrasekra, and A.P. Dasanayake.
Abstract In this article, the writer examines the research in the article "Periodontal Disease and Prematurity among Non-smoking Sri Lankan Women". The writer discusses the hypothesis that periodontal disease has a role in causing preterm low birth weight deliveries among rural primi-gravida women who are free of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use. The writer notes that various factors have been associated with the delivery of preterm and low-birth weight infants and the role of infection is receiving increasing attention. The writer concludes that the data and statistics presented link periodontal disease as one of the contributing factors for preterm low birth weight deliveries. Further, the writer maintains that this study can educate mothers that even if they feel they are perfectly healthy and free from smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use, they are not guaranteed to have a term infant with normal weight.
From the Paper "Periodontal disease is associated with a chronic Gram-negative infection of the periodontal tissues which results in long-term local elevation of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and cytokines and an increase in the systemic levels of some of these inflammatory mediators. Hence, periodontal disease has the potential to influence preterm low birth weight through an indirect mechanism involving inflammatory mediators or a direct bacterial assault on the amnion which is suggested in this study conducted in Matale, Sri Lanka. 227 subjects were studied, resulting in a cohort of 66 subjects with the exposure and 161 without the exposure. In this study, the authors observed a higher proportion of preterm low birth weight among subjects with higher pocket depths, plaque, and bleeding scores (the exposed group). This can be linked to a series of animal and clinical studies by Offenbacher and co-investigators that indicate an association between periodontal infection and adverse pregnancy outcome."
