Sexual Addiction Treatment and Pornography Recovery

Sexual Addiction Treatment and Pornography Recovery TREATMENT AND RECOVERY PROJECT INSTRUCTIONS
This paper is to be 8–10 pages (not including abstract, title page, and reference page). It must be in APA format including in-text citations a
Choose a drug, alcohol, or sexual addiction to focus on throughout the paper.

Sexual Addiction Treatment and Pornography Recovery
Sexual Addiction Treatment and Pornography Recovery

Your paper will have two distinct sections. The sections are as follows:
Overview and Recovery Plan; under Recovery Plan, your sub-headings will be: Logistics, Treatment Plan, and

Sexual Addiction Treatment and Pornography Recovery Issues in Treatment

1.) Overview
In the overview section you will want to discuss several components. First, discuss the symptoms and characteristics of the addiction. Explain the etiology
and genetic factors that may be involved. Note what usually happens during withdrawal and what medications may be used in coping with withdrawal. Also, be sure to discuss the statistics of this particular addiction. How much does it cost the U.S. every year? What are the statistics of the different ethnicities
struggling with this addiction, etc.?
2.) Recovery Plan
Logistics
In this section, you will organize a treatment plan for the addiction in either a group or an individual counseling setting. Be sure to discuss your target
population (i.e. adolescent boys). Discuss where these sessions will take place (i.e. church, hospital). Also, explain which model you will be using (i.e.
medical disease model, see Presentation: Models of Treatment – 401). Summarize the model and explain how you will integrate it. Additionally, describe who
will be involved in the process (i.e. family, pastor, etc.). Will it be distinctively Christian or distinctively secular?

Sexual Addiction Treatment and Pornography Recovery and Treatment Plan

Explain how many sessions your treatment plan will consist of. Then, in detail, discuss the process of how each stage and phase will progress. What
treatments and interventions will you be using? Be sure to have research backing your interventions at each stage. For example, if you will use intakes in
your first session, what intakes will you use?
Issues in Treatment
Conclude by discussing different obstacles you will face in implementing this recovery plan. What are some ethical issues you will need to be aware of and
prepare for? How will you screen for, address, and work with issues of co-morbidity? What co-morbidities are you likely to find with this specific
population? Lastly, address any other issues linked to this particular population.

Social Policy Problem for Committee in the Organization

Social Policy Problem for Committee in the Organization Executive Summary about a Social Policy Problem for an Executive or a Committee in the Organization Research and write an executive summary about a social policy problem for an executive or a committee in the organization you pick (this could be a company, a branch of government, a non-profit organization, etc).

Social Policy Problem for Committee in the Organization
Social Policy Problem for Committee in the Organization

The purpose is to give your audience a concise, specific overview of the information and viewpoints
crucial to understanding the issue you choose . You will make recommendations to your organization regarding the actions they can take to address this issue.

Social Policy Problem for Committee in the Organization

You are writing to inform rather than to persuade, through your organization’s priorities and your reader’s role in that organization will influence how you focus your summary and the relative emphasis you give to different material.
The professor wants us to exactly follow both the sample essay and the outline he posted. I will upload the sample essay he posted with this order. Below is
the outline he wants to follow:
1. problem statement: open by defining the problem you are addressing.
2. Background/problems: Draw on your research to provide background information about the problem so that your audience can better understand it.
3. Previously Attempted Solutions: Draw on your research to discuss what has been tried in the past to address the problem. Analyze the strengths and
weaknesses of these attempts.

Social Policy Problem for Committee in the Organization

4. Recommendations: what specific action or actions should your organization take to resolve the problem( remember: your solutions should be primarily based on economics strategies)
Sample essay which he wants to use to follow is attached. It should look like a professional document written for your chosen organization. You should also use subheadings and may want to consider organizing some information with a bulleted list.
How Many / What Sources Will I Need?
There is no one? size ?fits ?all number for sources ? it will depend on the topic you choose and how narrowly you focus. As you start your research, you
should aim for 10 really good sources as your foundation.

Social Policy Problem for Committee in the Organization

What is even more important than the number of sources is quality. You should be highly selective in your sources, and gather all of your research from
reliable sources that approach their subjects in depth, such as:
The Atlantic Harper?s Magazine Wired
The Economist
The New Yorker
The Harvard Business
Smithsonian Review Slate.com New York Times Salon.com NY Times Magazine
Wall Street Journal
These kinds of publications do extensive analysis and discussion of issues rather than simply report the news. The above are just a few examples? they represent the caliber of publication that you should be using.

Discussion on Darwin’s Dangerous Idea

Discussion on Darwin's Dangerous Idea
Discussion on Darwin’s                  Dangerous Idea

Discussion on Darwin’s Dangerous Idea

This assignment is comprised of 2 postings on the discussion board. First, you are expected to post a substantive contribution of at least 200 words after watching Darwin’s Dangerous Idea video that is found in Module 5. Do this here on Darwin’s Dangerous Ideas topic in the Discussions. Next, read all the discussion postings by your classmates and respond to one of their thoughts with the second posting of at least 200 words. Note: For both posts, simply saying “I agree” is not a substantive contribution. Your post must support your position, and reflect the concepts and characteristics covered in the Evolution Powerpoint presentation and the Darwin videos. Each posting is worth 20 points for a total of 40 points. There is no grading rubric used for this assignment.

A couple of guidelines for the Darwin Discussion. I want the discussion to focus on science, not on personal beliefs. This is a science class, not a theology class. Remember, for us to examine a scientific idea we must work in the realm of the physical, the measurable, and the perceivable. It is OK to comment on how Darwin struggled with the persecution of the church and how that still occurs today, however, I do not want a discussion, description, or debate on your personal beliefs. This is not meant to insult anyone’s personal beliefs, it is just difficult to debate your beliefs on this discussion board. One way to focus your thoughts is to type them in a word processing program and then later cut-and-paste them into the Discussion posting. This allows you time to think about what you want to say and to save your response. Finally, if you want to debate anything, you must provide literature citations or references for your argument – we are interested in facts and data – not opinions – no exceptions.

The Developmental Foundation for Teaching and Learning

The Developmental Foundation for Teaching and Learning Order Instructions:

The Developmental Foundation for Teaching and Learning
The Developmental Foundation for Teaching and Learning

For this assignment, you will investigate and reflect on learning theories that provide the developmental foundation for teaching and learning. You will consider the work of Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, and Erik Erikson.

At age 11, Jean Piaget wrote and published his first scientific paper featuring the albino sparrow. He was a brilliant scientist revered by many and is best known for his research on cognitive development. As you read about Piaget, ask yourself how the stages apply to your classroom, workplace, or family. You will need to focus on concrete operations, identity, compensation, reversibility, classification, seriation, adolescent egocentrism, formal operations, etc. You should select any topic appropriate to your life, family, or workplace.

Lev Vygotsky was a tormented, frustrated young teacher in Russia. Desperate for answers to improve his teaching, he began seeking answers by studying learning and development. He swiftly became a recognized researcher but was banned in Russia because of his references to Western psychologists. His all-too-brief life yielded a treasure trove of remarkable research on the sociocultural perspective we continue to use today. Vygotsky’s ideas about language, culture, and cognitive development continue to be major influences in socio-psychology today.

Erik Erikson was an interesting enigma of a researcher who sought answers as much for himself as for others. Born an illegitimate child in Frankfurt, Germany, the product of a married man and single mother, he spent his life focused on researching one’s identity. His parents kept his identity secret, but he was tormented at temple school for being tall, blonde, and blue-eyed and teased at grammar school for being a Jew. During his early professional life, he became acquainted with Anna Freud, the daughter of Sigmund Freud; there began his exposure to and learning of psychoanalysis. He also studied the Montessori Method of education while in Vienna. When the Nazis came to power in Germany in 1933, he and his wife immigrated first to Denmark and then to the United States, where he became the first child psychoanalyst in Boston. It is important to note that he and his wife spent a year on a Sioux reservation in South Dakota as he developed his theories of child development and the ego. Erikson developed the Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development. As you read, reflect on Erikson’s stage progression and your own life, noting transitions, changes, and new developments. See if Erikson’s theory correlates to your experience!

Choose one of the three theorists— Piaget, Vygotsky, or Erikson—and address the following:
• Choose the most compelling and personally or professionally relevant concept the theorist has to offer.
• Share examples of how you have implemented or plan to implement strategies derived from this theorist in your personal or professional life.

The Developmental Foundation for Teaching and Learning Sample Answer

The contemporary developmental foundation for teaching and learning has significantly been boosted by the various learning theorists. The learning theory by Lev Vygotsky focuses majorly on social development. It forms the necessary foundation that focuses on constructivism. It suggests that the existence of three major themes that involve social interactions, the more knowledgeable other and finally the zone of proximal developments as key concepts. Social interaction concept plays a valuable duty in the entire process of cognitive development of a child. Therefore, understanding a child’s development becomes critical (Metraux, 2015).

He suggested that social learning comes before education and therefore the child’s development is observed firstly through a social level and on the individual basis. The concept of the more knowledgeable other refers to a state of exhibiting more knowledge, abilities or better understanding than the learner regarding any concept being taught (Metraux, 2015). The idea suggests that an individual that exhibits the above qualities might be a teacher, instructor, coach or even young peer. The final concept of Vygotsky’s theory is the zone of proximal development which refers to the gap between the ability of a learner to do a particular duty under the control and guidance by the adult leading to the occurrence of learning. He suggested the significance of having internalization of techniques like speech and writing are developed through people’s connections and the social-cultural aspect.

In my profession, I have applied Vygotsky’s theory in the transmission of knowledge to the students through the aid of instructions model primarily because I exhibit more knowledge than the student. I have promoted learning among students when I involved them in learning through discussions which are a concept of Vygotsky’s theory which suggests the collaboration between the instructor and the students to enable meaningful learning and development (Metraux, 2015).

To sum up, Vygotsky’s theory provides a foundation for learning since it promotes learning among students through their active participation leading to meaning construction among students.

The Developmental Foundation for Teaching and Learning Reference

Métraux, A. (2015). Lev Vygotsky as seen by someone who acted as a go-between between eastern and western Europe. History Of The Human Sciences, 28(2), 154-172. doi:10.1177/0952695115575410

Interview and Questionnaires Questions

Interview and Questionnaires Questions Order Instructions: Please read the proposal that is attached and then write for me:

Interview and Questionnaires Questions
Interview and Questionnaires Questions

1. 10 questions for the interviews.

2. 20 questions for the questionnaires.

I want to use these questions for my dissertations interviews and spread the questioner to get the results.

Regards,

Interview and Questionnaires Questions Sample Answers

Interview Questions

Name (Optional):

Age:

Gender:

Organization:

The number of years worked:

The number of years worked in the current organization:

 In what areas do you offer opportunities for training and development in the organization?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

  1. Between internal and external training opportunities, which is preferred by employees and why?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

  1. How many employees in your department have had an opportunity for training and development?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

  1. What is the procedure for selecting individuals for training?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

  1. In your opinion, what impact has training and development had on your employees?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

  1. In your opinion, is training and development relevant to the organization’s need and why?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

  1. What challenges have you encountered in promoting training and development needs for your staff at the institutional level?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

6. What challenges related to employee attitudes affect training and development?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

 

  1. How can the challenges above be addressed to ensure that training and development promote organizational objectives?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

 

  1. What areas of training and development need to be added to the organization’s program to make it more effective?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

 

Interview and Questionnaires Questions – Questionnaire

Name (Optional):

Age:

Gender:

Organization:

The number of years worked:

A number of years worked in the current organization:

 

Please answer the following questions

  1. Please fill in the section by ticking on the appropriate box
I have had an opportunity for training and development in the last one year Agree Disagree
I have had an opportunity for training and development at least once since I joined the organization
I am open to more training and development opportunities in future
The procedure used in selecting beneficiaries for training and development is open and fair
I do not understand how employees are selected for training and development
There are training opportunities for new employees

 

  1. Which kind of training have you received?
On the job training
Job rotation
External training
Conference
Programmed instruction
Lecture

 

Academic course

 

 

  1. Which one do you prefer between internal and external training programs
Internal
External

 

  1. Explain your preference for the type of training selected above.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

 

  1. Did the training you received have a positive impact on your performance?
Yes
No
Not sure

Please explain your answer below.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

 

  1. How do you think training and development impact the organization’s performance? Please answer based on the following table.

 

Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree
Improved efficiency and productivity
Employees work better in teams
Communication efficiency has improved in the organization
Employee competence and skills have improved
Increased participation in decision making among employees
Staff turnover has reduced
Job rotation is easier
Better conflict resolution has been achieved

 

  1. What is your opinion on training program evaluation as a means of enhancing the achievement of objectives of the organization?
Highly useful
Slightly useful
Not useful
  1. Does training and development influence motivation among employees in your organization?
Highly useful
Slightly useful
Not useful

 

  1. Who influences the training and development of employees in your organization?
Employee
Supervisor
Human Resource manager
Organization policy
Combination of two factors or more above

 

  1. Do employees at all levels have a chance for training and development at least once a year?
Yes
No
Not sure

 

  1. Are training and development opportunities aligned with the organization’s needs
Yes
No
Not sure

 

  1. Our training and development programs in your organizations sponsored by your employer?
Funded by employer
Partially funded by employer
Funded by employee

 

  1. Are you satisfied with the organization’s training program?
Yes
No

 

  1. My supervisor is supportive in identifying opportunities for training and development
Yes
No

 

  1. What are some of the challenges faced during internal training?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

 

  1. What are some of the challenges faced during external training?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

 

  1. Do you think program evaluation can enhance the effectiveness of training and development programs in your organization?
Yes
No
Not sure

 

  1. What do you consider the best time for a training program evaluation?
Immediately after
After one week
After one month
Am not sure

 

  1. Does the organization have a system for establishing the cost-benefit analysis of training conducted?
Yes
No
Not sure

 

  1. What can be done to improve training and development in your organization?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

 

 Macroeconomics Short Answer Questions

Macroeconomics
          Macroeconomics

Macroeconomics Short Answer Questions

Order Instructions:

the instruction is on the cover sheet, for the graph can you draw it as a jpg because last time the line is just massing around when i summit. i have also upload the chapter key point and ppt. so you can have a look

SAMPLE ANSWER

MACRO1 (ECON1010) Assignment 2

Submit online at the ‘Assessment Task’ in Blackboard

Due: 11:59PM on 14 May (Sunday)

Tutorial Time and Day: _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Student Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Student ID: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Macroeconomics Short Answer Questions

  • The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has the following three options to influence the money supply in the Australian financial market. Give a brief description of how each operates.
  1. Open market operations (2 marks)

Open market operations refers to a policy by the national reserve bank involving buying an selling of government securities such as treasury bonds, mortgage-backed securities and treasury bills from its member banks in the open capital market as a strategy to expand or contract the amount of money circulating within the economy. Applying this policy to control money supply in the economy would involve the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) purchasing Australian government securities to decrease the money supply or selling these securities to increase the amount of cash circulating in the economy. The RBA would purchase government securities being held by financial institutions to mop up and withdraw excess money supply in the economy, or sell these securities to inject cash into the money market.

Purchasing government securities in the open market by the RBA would add credit reserves to commercial banks, similar to a direct deposit by the government, and would expand money supply through the multiplier effect by increasing cash available for lending to other banks and to customers.

  1. Reserve ratio (2 marks)

Commercial banks in pursuit of their profit-making objective try to lend as much as possible to increase revenues from interest payments. If un-regulated, they would lend out all their deposits, which would increase risk of insolvency and create instability in the banking sector. The reserve ratio is the fraction or percentage of customer deposits that commercial banks are required to hold as reserves. As a way of regulating the activities of banks, the RBA requires commercial banks to maintain a small proportion of their deposits, which is about 10 percent, in reserve when they close after each business day. Reserves are customer deposits that banks have received but have not loaned out. In a fractional-reserve banking system adopted in many countries of the world, commercial banks are required by banking regulation to hold a fraction of the money deposited by customers as reserves. This amount is usually enough to cover the daily withdrawals by customers after lending out the rest.

  1. Cash rate (2 marks)

The official cash rate is the interest rate percentage that commercial banks and other financial institutions can earn from lending their currency reserves on an overnight basis in the short-term money market. The cash rate is the overnight inter-bank lending rate of interest. The cash rate is used by the RBA as an instrument for influencing the amount of money supply in the economy. Increasing the cash rate raises the level of interest rates in the retail credit market, while decreasing the cash rate lowers interest rates in the economy.

The official cash rate affects general economic activity as changes flow through to interest rates charged by commercial banks to borrowers.

  • Now demonstrate what happens to value of money, the price level and the real interest rate using the money supply (MS) and money demand (MD) diagram shown below.
  1. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) increases the reserve ratio in the fractional banking system.(2 marks)

An increase in the reserve ratio increases the mandatory reserve required by the RBA for commercial banks to maintain in their vaults, which decreases the amount of money available for banks to lend to the public. This decreases the money supply in accordance with the multiplier effect since it decreases the amount of credit money available in the economy. With demand for money and other factors remaining constant, increasing the reserve ratio withdraws cash from the economy and thus decreased supply of money, which in turn increases the value of money since there is a smaller amount of money in circulation available to purchase the same goods and services being produced in the economy. This is shown on the diagram as a shift to the left of the money supply curve from MS1 to MS2 while demand MD remains constant. The quantity of money supply in the economy falls from Q1 to Q2 while the value of money rises from V1 to V2.

  1. RBA purchases government securities through the open market operations. (2 marks)

Purchasing government securities in the open market increases the money supply in the economy by injecting cash into the money market and by extension the economy. Holding demand for money constant, this results in an increase in the supply of money in circulation and available for purchasing the same goods and services, which decreases the value of money. In the diagram, this is shown by a shift of the money supply curve to the right from MS1 to MS2, which increases the quantity of money supply from Q1 to Q2 and decreases the value of money from V1 to V2

  • Consider an economy that is initially in long run equilibrium in the Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply (AD-AS) diagram that we covered in lectures. Suppose many Australian firms mistakenly expect that there will be an increase in the relative price of their own products as compared to others (including relative to the input costs and wages they pay). Start with the equilibrium point shown in the Figure below and use it to demonstrate the following changes.
  1. How does this change the aggregate price level, real income and unemployment in the short run? Explain and illustrate in the AD-AS diagram (3 marks)

In the short-run, an increase in the overall price level tends to raise the quantity of output supplied by producers in an economy. Expectations of increased relative prices of products relative to production costs and wages would create increased business confidence and increased investment, which would result in increased production and increased amount of goods and services output by producers within the economy. The move by firms to increase production activity would lead to the increased utilization of capital and labour production factors. This would further result in increased investment and decreased unemployment in the short-run.

Increased production output would result in increased supply of goods and services which would cause a surplus in the economy in the short run, which would cause a decrease in the price level. In the AD-AS model, this would be shown as a shift downwards and to the right of the aggregate supply curve from SRAS0 to SRAS1, with a new short-run equilibrium corresponding to a lower price level P1 since there is the same volume of money to purchase the increased amount of output in the economy.

  1. Explain the adjustment process to long run equilibrium (assuming that real potential output remains unchanged, so no change in LRAS), and what happens to the price level. No need to demonstrate it in Figure but it may be helpful. (3 marks)

A change in the price level in the long-run does not affect the quantity of output and supply in the long-run. This is because the potential output level, also known as the natural level of output or full-employment output, in the economy is determined by capital endowment, labour supply and technology that are not affected by changes in the price level over the long-run. The increase in output and supply of goods and services would therefore result in a surplus output, which would lead to a decrease in the price level in the economy. According to the AD-AS model, the economy has a tendency to revert to some form of long-run equilibrium, which is referred to as the steady-state equilibrium. This self-correcting mechanism works through the supply side in that an increase in output and aggregate supply in the short-run causes aggregate demand to fall following a period of inflation, which makes the equilibrium level to self-corrects to a new price level over the long-run.

This is demonstrated by the equilibrium level remaining constant along the LRAS curve since a shift of the AD curve upwards and to the right indicating an increase in aggregate demand over the long-run is countered by a shift of the AS curve downwards and to the left indicating an increase in aggregate supply.

 

One such scenario may come from a crash in the Australian housing market. Keeping in mind of the Aggregate Demand and Supply (AD-AS) framework, elaborate how such a shock may affect the Australian economy. Also, discuss what policy instruments the government have in response, and how they work in practice?

A recession results from adverse shifts in aggregate supply, which causes decreased levels of real GDP output and other measures of income, consumption spending and production factors while unemployment and price levels rise. According to the AD-AS model, the level of output and prices in an economy adjust to create an equilibrium or balance between aggregate demand and aggregate supply. Policy response options for the government would be to take no action assuming that the economy would always self-correct to its initial full-employment equilibrium over the long-run. Heated debate amongst economists has resulted in a division between Neo-classical and Keynesian economists. Neo-classical economic theories argue that the economy would self-correct to its long-run equilibrium after a recession while Keynesian economic theory argues that taking no action would unnecessarily prolong the recession since the economy would not by itself revert to previous steady-state equilibrium. Keynesian economic theory of monetary policy has proven effective in the past during the Great Depression in restoring the US economy back to full-employment. The theory recommends taking action to either raise aggregate demand or aggregate supply or both, which implies a decision on which of either curves in the AD-AS model to influence and through what policies.

To correct the fall in short-run aggregate supply, the government could either adopt policies to expand aggregate demand keeping output at its natural long-run level, which would cause the price level to rise further and worsen the recession before the policies begin to take effect. To forestall the impending economic shock that would result from a burst market bubble in the real estate sector, the government through the RBA could pursue contractionary monetary policies. This would take the form of strategies such as selling government securities to member banks in the open market and increasing the interest rate to slow down inflation and economic growth by lowering lending rates and decrease over-investment in the economy and in specific sectors. In the event of a recession, expansionary monetary policies can be adopted to lower unemployment and stimulate economic growth. Such policies would seek to expand money supply and lower interest rates so as to boost production and consumption economic activity, and to lower unemployment.

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SPSS Hypothesis Testing Assignment Available

SPSS Hypothesis Testing
SPSS Hypothesis Testing

SPSS Hypothesis Testing

Order Instructions:

please do my assignment by nest week please.

SAMPLE ANSWER

Module 6 Application Assignment Worksheet

SPSS Hypothesis Testing

Instructions

For this assignment, you perform a two-sample independent t-test, an ANOVA, and a correlation analysis related to the data set that has been utilized in the previous two modules. Import the data into SPSS or, if you correctly saved the data file from the Module 4 and 5 Assignments, you may open and use that saved file to complete this Assignment. Type your answers to all questions directly into the worksheet, and paste the required output at the end of this document.

 Submit this Application Assignment by Day 7 of Week 11.

Research Scenario

A researcher is interested in the effect of a new medication on serum cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and glycosylated hemoglobin of adults.  The researcher randomly selects a sample of 40 (20 male and 20 female) participants who have been diagnosed with high cholesterol. Assuring equal distribution of males and females, the participants are randomly assigned to one of two conditions (or groups):  Following pretest measures of serum cholesterol (chol), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and glycosylated hemoglobin (glyhb), the experimental group (Group 1) is given the medication for a period of 6 months while the control group (Group 2) is given a placebo.  After the 6 months,chol, HDL, and glyhb are again measured.

 The post test data for each participant are provided in the Module 4 Application Assignment Data Set Excel file and can be found in the Module 6 Learning Resources. The codebook for the data provided is as follows:

AGE                       Age in years

SEX                         1 =male, 2=female

GROUP 1 =medication, 2=placebo

CHNG_CHOL      change in cholesterol from pretest to posttest

HDL                        High-density lipoprotein at posttest

GLYHB                   Glycosylated hemoglobin at posttest

———————————————————————————————————————

Step 1: Import the Microsoft Excel data file into SPSS or use the correct saved SPSS data file as noted in the instructions above.

Step 2: Conduct an independent samples t-test to determine if there is a difference between Group 1 (medication) and Group 2 (placebo) in terms of changes in cholesterol values. Note that the independent variable is GROUP, and the dependent variable is CHNG_CHOL .For this analysis, choose a two-tailed test of significance. (Be sure to save your output.)

Step 3: Conduct a between-subjects ANOVA to determine if there is a difference between sex (males vs. females) and HDL. Note that the independent variable is SEX, and the dependent variable is HDL. For this analysis, choose a two-tailed test of significance. (Be sure to save your output.)

Step 4: Conduct a Pearson correlation to determine if there is a relationship between HDL and GLYHB. For this analysis, choose a two-tailed test of significance. (Be sure to save your output.)

Step 5: Review your SPSS output and answer each of the following questions:

From the independent samples t-test output:

  1. What is the mean CHNG_CHOL for Group 1? _________-5.95
  2. What is the CHNG_CHOL standard deviation for Group 1? _________095
  3. What is the mean CHNG_CHOL for Group 2? _________-.45
  4. What is the CHNG_CHOL standard deviation for Group 2? _________395
  5. What is the calculated t-score (equal variances assumed)? _________– 5.376
  6. What is the probability that the obtained t-score was simply due to chance as opposed to actual gender differences [see “Sig (two-tailed)” on output]? _________00
  7. If the probability associated with the obtained t-score is <0.05, we assume the results (difference in mean CHNG_CHOL between groups) are much more likely due to the effects of the medication than to chance. In other words, we would say the results are statistically significant. Are the results statistically significant (yes or no)?  _________No

From the ANOVA output:

  1. What is the mean HDL for group males? _________85
  2. What is the HDL standard deviation for males? _________788
  • What is the mean HDL for group females? _________30
  1. What is the HDL standard deviation for females? _________477
  2. What is the calculated F-value? __________251
  3. What is the probability (noted as “Sig” on output) that the obtained F-value was simply due to chance as opposed to actual gender differences? __________01

From the correlation output:

  1. What is the Pearson correlation score for HDL and GLYHB? _________– 587
  2. What is the direction of the correlation value and what does this mean? _____ The direction of the correlation is negative. This implies that as HDL increase, GLYHB decreases and vice versa is true
  3. What is the probability for the obtained Pearson correlation score [see “Sig (two-tailed)” on output]? _significant at 0.01 (2-tailed)
  4. If the probability associated with the Pearson correlation is <05, we assume a significant relationship. Is there a significant relationship between HDL and GLYHB? _________No

Step 6: Paste all required SPSS output below.

T test

Group Statistics
GROUP N Mean Std. Deviation Std. Error Mean
CHNG_CHOL 1 20 -5.65 4.095 .916
2 20 -.45 1.395 .312

 

Independent Samples Test
Levene’s Test for Equality of Variances t-test for Equality of Means
F Sig. t df Sig. (2-tailed) Mean Difference Std. Error Difference 95% Confidence Interval of the Difference
Lower Upper
CHNG_CHOL Equal variances assumed 13.247 .001 -5.376 38 .000 -5.200 .967 -7.158 -3.242
Equal variances not assumed -5.376 23.349 .000 -5.200 .967 -7.199 -3.201

One way ANOVA

Descriptive
HDL
N Mean Std. Deviation Std. Error 95% Confidence Interval for Mean Minimum Maximum
Lower Bound Upper Bound
males 20 40.85 7.788 1.742 37.20 44.50 28 56
females 20 49.30 7.477 1.672 45.80 52.80 39 69
Total 40 45.08 8.666 1.370 42.30 47.85 28 69

 

ANOVA
HDL
Sum of Squares df Mean Square F Sig.
Between Groups 714.025 1 714.025 12.251 .001
Within Groups 2214.750 38 58.283
Total 2928.775 39

 

Correlations
HDL GLYHB
HDL Pearson Correlation 1 -.587**
Sig. (2-tailed) .000
N 40 40
GLYHB Pearson Correlation -.587** 1
Sig. (2-tailed) .000
N 40 40
**. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).

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Rentall Trucks Case Study Assignment

Rentall Trucks Case Study
                Rentall Trucks Case Study

Rentall Trucks Case Study

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Rentall Trucks Case Study

Introduction

This paper will provide an analysis of the case study of Rentall Trucks using Markov Analysis. The problem statement of the case is about legal issues that surrounded the operation of two main competitors in the truck renting industry Rentall and Rentran. The scope of a problem is the extent of perception, action or inquiry of a concept. In our case study, the scope is an omission in the contracts leading to the sale of Rentall Trucks that could cost the firm millions of dollars according to Jim Fox.  (Render, Stair, R. Hanna, & Hale 2015). The critical decision issues to be addressed by Rentall Trucks include how to increase the competitive edge and maintain a large market share in the industry.

Analysis

One of the critical elements of the Rentall Trucks case is the fact that during its sale, the contracted law firm omitted a clause that would prove costly in the long-run. Folley, Smith and Christensen failed to include a clause that would prevent Bob Renton from competing directly with the firm. This led to the creation of Rentran. The case provides another critical element in which Rentall faces stiff competition from Rentran, despite the fact that it is only a few months into its operations. In six months, Bob has succeeded in convincing and poaching a number of key executives from Rentall into his company, Rentran. The firm managed to acquire a market share of approximately 5% in the first few months of its operation while Rentall had 80% and National rentals, another competitor, had 15% (Render, Stair, R. Hanna, & Hale 2015). The Market share determines the portion of a market controlled by a particular firm (Rego, Morgan, & Fornell, 2013). It is the percentage of total sales in a given market earned by a company (Gale, 2014). Pete Rosen, the president of Rentall Trucks, got concerned about the situation and decided to conduct research to determine future projections of the firm and the market. His concerns were that his firm would be incapable of maintaining 50% of the market in the future. The case has provided a clear set of facts on the current scenario facing the firms. These facts were established after a research company hired by Pete Rosen conducted an analysis on truck rental customers. The sample size was 1000 potential and existing customers. Of these, 800 were Rentall customers, while 60 and 140 were Rentran and National customers respectively. After one month, the sample was analyzed again. It was found that 200 Rentall customers switched to Rentran, 80 switched to National, 3 Rentran customers switched to rental, six switched to National, and finally, 14 National customers switched to Rentall and 35 to Rentran (Render, Stair, R. Hanna, & Hale 2015). An in-depth review of the essential issues is offered by these facts.

Solution

In addressing the main points outlined in the case, various recommendations are needed to solve the problem statement. According to Jim Fox, Rentall Trucks could do nothing to correct the problem of the costly contract omission by the law firm Folley, Smith, and Christensen. The only applicable solution would be to formulate and implement effective business strategies. These strategies would provide a framework through which counter measures would be adopted to prevent Rentran’s activities and market advancements. The policies adopted would be to curb Rentran’s ability to lure away both customers and investors from Rentall. Three areas would require to be reviewed and appropriate changes made. These areas are advertising, rental policy, and product line. The issue of rental policies would require that truck rental business is made easier and faster. This would necessitate the implementation of some of the policies used by car rental agencies like Hertz. To attract more customers, changes in the product line would have to include comfortable and easy to drive trucks, trucks fitted with automatic transmission, air conditioners, quality radio and stereo tape systems, comfortable bucket seats and cruise control (Render, Stair, Hanna, & Hale 2015). Zenetti and Klapper (2016), state that advertising promotes sales by influencing the behavior of potential customers. This showed that additional advertising was required to be aggressive and immediate. A good company had to be contracted and advertising in journals and the television increased. Implementation of these strategies would give Rentall Trucks a chance of maintaining their close to 80% market share. Changes in the advertising strategy would ensure that a bigger target audience is reached and their market behavior influenced to opt for Rentall Truck products and services. This would increase the number of new customers. On the other hand, changes in the product line and rental policies would help maintain a loyal customer base for the firm.

Justification

The recommended course of action is justifiable since policy makers and scholars alike agree to the effectiveness of the stated strategies. The above recommendations have been applied elsewhere and hence, are tried and tested. The justification for the recommendations is that:

1.)    Advertising is a proven strategy to help convince more customers to trust the products and services being offered by a company as explained by Buil, Chernatony, & Martínez, (2013). Rentall Trucks is justified in increasing advertising, especially in          television and journals.

2.)    Changing a product line constitutes to rebranding. The strategy of rebranding helps   a company in that it proves to doubtful customers that the brand has reinvented itself and will, therefore, be in a position to satisfy their tastes and preferences more that before (Todor, 2014). To Rentall Trucks, changes in the product line will ensure that those customers who had switched to their rivals are more convinced about its service and product quality and will be motivated to switch back.

3.)    Reviewing of rental policies will revolutionize the whole industry. This is due to the fact that if Rentall are successful in simplifying the processes involved in renting trucks, they will set a standard to be followed by all competitors. Setting standards will  make them stand out as market leaders and will therefore have that largest market share.

Summary

This case study provided a case scenario of Rentall Truck Company seeking to gain a competitive advantage over its competitors, Rentran and National. The companies were competing for the market share in the truck renting industry. Rentall faced stiff competition from Rentran, a company owned by its former founder. They found themselves in this situation due to a blunder of omission of an important clause in its contacts. To retain its customers, Rentall recommended changes in its advertising strategies, product line and rental policies. The strategies were justifiable through since they were tried and tested. The justification was further improved by the market research conducted by Meyers Marketing Research firm.

Calculations

  1. What will the market shares be in one month if these changes are made? If no changes are made

Rentall – π1 = 0.8

Rentran – π2 = 0.06

National Rentals – π1 = 0.14

Tree diagram (Month 1 with no change)

 

0.65                 0.25                 0.1

P =       0.05                 0.85                 0.1

0.65                 0.25                 0.1

π (1) = π (0)P

 

0.65                 0.25                 0.1

= (0.8, 0.06, 0.14)       0.05                 0.85                 0.1

0.65                 0.25                 0.1

= 0.52+0.003+0.091, 0.2+0.051+0.035, 0.08+0.006+0.014

= 0.6, 0.29, 0.1

= 60% 29% 10%

Market share without the changes will be:

60% for Rentall

29% for Rentran

10% for National Rentals

Tree diagram (Month 1 with change)

0.85                 0.125               0.025

P =       0.15                 0.75                 0.1

0.2                   0.25                 0.55

π (1) = π (0)P

0.85                 0.125               0.025

= (0.8, 0.06, 0.14)       0.15                 0.75                 0.1

0.2                   0.25                 0.55

= 0.68+0.009+0.028, 0.1+0.045+0.035, 0.02+0.014+0.077

0.72, 0.18, 0.1

72%. 18%, 10%

Market share without the changes will be:

72% for Rentall

18% for Rentran

10% for National Rentals

This shows that Rentall will have a larger market share if the actions suggested are implemented. Rentall’s market share will remain high while Rentran will grow at a slower rate. National Rental’s market share remains the same.

  1. What will the market share be in three months with the changes?

π (n) = π (0)Pn

π (3) = π (0)P3

0.61                0.002               0.00002           3

(0.8, 0.06, 0.14)           0.003               0.42                 0.001

0.008               0.27                 0.17

= 0.6, 0.3, 0.1

Market share after 3 months will be:

60% for Rentall

30% for Rentran

10% for National Rentals

  1. If market share remains the same, what market share will Rentall have in the long-run?Ho does this compare to if the changes were not made.

If the market conditions remain the same, the market share for Rentall in the long-run would keep reducing, though at a lower magnitude than if Rentall did not make the changes. The new market shares are shown in the tables below. The market share moves from 80% to 72% in month 1 to 66 % in month 2, 61% in month 3, 58% in month 4 and 56% in month 5. If the changes were not made, Rentall’s market share would have deteriorated quite fact, moving from 80% to 61% in month 1, 48% in month 2, 40% in month 3, 35% in month 4 and 32% in month 5. This would be a significant loss to Rentran, which would have 58% of the market by the fifth month. Therefore, it can be concluded that the changes will reduce the rate at which the company loses its market share to Rentran. However, Rentall still continues to lose its market share and better strategies are required to enhance competitiveness.

After Change (Excel calculation)
Probabilities Current Market share
0.85 0.15 0.2 0.8
0.125 0.75 0.25 0.06
0.025 0.1 0.55 0.14
 

Market share

Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5
Rentall 0.72 0.66 0.61 0.58 0.56
Rentran 0.18 0.25 0.29 0.32 0.34
National 0.10 0.09 0.09 0.10 0.10

 

Before Change (Excel calculation)
Probabilities Current Market share
0.65 0.05 0.65 0.8
0.25 0.85 0.25 0.06
0.1 0.1 0.1 0.14
 

Market share

Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5
Rentall 0.61 0.48 0.40 0.35 0.32
Rentran 0.29 0.42 0.50 0.55 0.58
National 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10

Reference

Buil, I., De Chernatony, L., & Martínez, E. (2013). Examining the role of advertising and sales     promotions in brand equity creation. Journal of Business Research, 66(1), 115-122.

Gale, . (2014). Market share reporter. Place of publication not identified: Gale, Cengage   Learning. management. (12th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

Rego, L. L., Morgan, N. A., & Fornell, C. (2013). Reexamining the market share–customer           satisfaction relationship. Journal of Marketing, 77(5), 1-20.

Render, B., Stair, R. M., Hanna, M. E. & Hale T. S. (2015). Quantitative analysis for Todor, R. D. (2014). The importance of branding and rebranding for strategic marketing. Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Brasov. Economic Sciences. Series V, 7(2), 59.

Zenetti, G., & Klapper, D. (2016). Advertising Effects Under Consumer Heterogeneity–The Moderating Role of Brand Experience, Advertising Recall and Attitude. Journal of Retailing, 92(3), 352-372.

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Agri Chem Case Analysis Research Paper

Agri Chem Case Analysis
Agri Chem Case Analysis

Agri Chem Case Analysis

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kindly use the attached

SAMPLE ANSWER

Agri Chem Case Analysis

Introduction

Agri Chem faces a challenge of reduced natural gas supply, following a notification from Enerco, that gas supplies were being rapidly depleted, thus leading to rationing of natural gas. Based on the priorities that Enerco gives from the Federal Power Commission, it is notable that Agri Chem will be significantly affected the rationing. In providing details on rationing, Enerco did not provide proportions for rationing. Agri Chem must determine its usage pattern to determine how best to maximize profits under the circumstances. The problem is to determine which of Agri Chem’s complexes would be least affected by a gas curtailment.

Analysis

The rationing of natural gas is expected to have a significant impact on Agri-Chem, given the high level of usage. Agri Chem mostly utilizes natural gas for the second and third priority, which comprise the commercial use as a raw material source and industrial use as a broiler fuel. This was likely to lead to ‘rolling brownouts’ due to natural gas curtailments. The fact that Enerco does not provide guidelines on the manner in which natural gas will be allocated based on products gives Agri Chem an opportunity to determine its own proportions in a bid to ensure that profitability is maximized under the conditions. While Agri Chem had an allocation of 90,000 ´ 103 cubic feet per day based on its contract with Enerco, this would be reduced by 20% to 40% following the curtailment. This would greatly affect Agri Chem, which utilizes natural gas as broiler fuel except for ammonia production which required natural gas as a raw material.

The situation at hand presents a complex scenario in which the company’s productivity is likely to be curtailed by the rationing of natural gas, given that Agri Chem considerably depends on natural gas for production purposes. This calls for a solution to optimize gas usage under the current circumstances, which essentially calls for a formula for gas usage to ensure that the company’s profits are maximized under the circumstances. Agri Chem has an advantage in that Enerco does not provide proportions for gas allocation and hence the company has the liverty to determine its capacities as deemed appropriate. Determining the product that would be least affected by the curtailment of natural gas helps the company to establish how well it can be utilized to provide optimal results for the company.  Linear programming provides a simple solution for this complex situation, such that Agri Chem can determine how best to approach the problem presented by the gas shortage.

Solution

The main objective is to determine, based on Agri Chem’s complexities, the product that will be least affected by the gas curtailment. The solution involves creation of a linear programming equation that bases its calculation on the contribution, current capacity, production rate and natural gas usage, provided in the table of financial and operation data on page 6. This is optimized using linear programming, putting the possible constraints (20% and 40%) into consideration, to determine the product that would be least affected by the natural gas curtailment. Linear programming is considered effective in obtaining solutions for optimal use of resources and profit maximization because it makes use of simple formulas to determine solutions under different constraints (Haidar, 2015). It is therefore effective in making decisions on complex issues affecting organizations, such as the gas allocation dilemma faced by Agri Chem. In this case, two constraints are present. The process begins by determining the new constraints, representing the expected impact when gas supply is reduced by 20% or 40%. Using excel, calculations are made to determine the new quantities. Using these constraints, it is possible to determine the number of tons that can be produced per day to maximize profits as indicated on the calculations on page 7. The gas constraints are developed with reference to the possible changes, from 85,680,000 cu. ft. per day, which Agri Chem utilizes, once the curtailment is done. This is shown on page 7. The results indicate that Caustic Soda would be the least affected by the gas curtailment. This is because the company can operate optimally with Caustic Soda being produced at low levels; 423.2 tons/day when curtailment is 20% and zero tons/day when curtailment is at 40%. Profitability can then be calculated based on the quantities determined.

Justification

The current situation at Agri-Chem calls for an effective measure to determine the utilization of the natural gas supplies under the constraints.

  • Linear programming is an effective optimization technique, suitable for complex problem solving, such as in the case of Agri Chem.
  • Through the use of linear programming, Agri Chem can maximize its profits by assessing the gas proportions needed for the company and how this can be allocated to ensure optimal use of the available natural gas.
  • This solution provides guidance for Agri Chem on the utilization of natural gas, such that it can be effectively allocated for optimal results and loss reduction.
  • Linear programming gives better outcomes due to its simplicity and definite formula – single and straightforward, thus promoting accuracy.
  • The calculation of optimal levels for profitability helps in promoting decision making e.g. in the case of Agri Chem where the company determines the complexities that are least affected by natural gas rationing.
  • The solution provides a basis for determining the result of different scenarios – in this case the company can determine the profit optimization at 20% and 40% curtailment.

Conclusion

The problem presented in this case involves a situation in which Agri Chem’s production is affected by the curtailment of gas supply due to the effects of a heat wave. Enerco provides that Agri Chem’s supply may be affected by 20% to 40%. This calls on Agri Chem to come up with a formula that will optimize the situation, to ensure that it maintains sustainable profitability under the circumstances. A linear programming solution in which constraints are developed at the curtailment proportions provides that, caustic soda would be least affected by the gas curtailment, at the point of optimal profitability.

Question: Which of Agri-Chem’s complexes would be least affected by a gas curtailment?

Financial and Operational Data

Contribution    Capacity    Production Rate  Natural Gas Usage

Product                              ($/Ton)      (Tons/Day)  (% of Capacity)  (1,000 Cu.Ft./Ton)

Ammonia                             $80              1,500                  80                           8

Ammonium phosphate        $120              600                   90                          10

Ammonium nitrate              $140              700                   70                          12

Urea                                    $140              200                   80                          12

Hydrofluoric acid                $90               800                   70                           7

Chlorine                               $70              1,500                  80                          18

Caustic soda                         $60              1,600                  80                          20

Vinyl chloride monomer      $90              1,400                  60                          14

Working

Let X1 = ammonia ; X2 = ammonium phosphate ; X3 = ammonium nitrate ; X4 = urea ; X5 = hydrofluoric acid ; X6 = chlorine ; X7 = caustic soda ; X8 = Vinyl chloride monomer

Agri Chem’s current natural gas usage = (1,200 × 8 + 540 × 10 + 490 × 12 + …) = 85,680,000 cu. ft. per day

At 20% curtailment, availability is 0.8 x 85,680 = 68,554,000 cu. ft. per day

Therefore, gas constraint = 8X1 + 10X2 + 12X3 + 12X4 + 7X5 + 18X6 + 20X7 + 14X8 ≤ 68,544

Using Excel, the following solution is obtained.

X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X6 X7 X8
Tons/day 1200 540 490 160 560 1200 433.2 840

 

At 40% curtailment, availability is 0.6 × 85,680 = 51,408,000 cu. ft. per day

Constraint: 8X1 + 10X2 + 12X3 + 12X4 + 7X5 + 18X6 + 20X7 + 14X7 ≤ 51,408

Excel calculation results in the following:

X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X6 X7 X8
Tons/day 1,200.00 540.00 490.00 160.00 560.00 718.22 0.00 840.00

Reference

Haidar, A. D. (2015). Construction Program Management – Decision Making and Optimization

Techniques. London: Springer

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Research problem and significance Paper

Research problem and significance
         Research problem and significance

Research problem and significance

Order Instructions:

PLEASE NOTE We need to use the second article, Rehods one.

HNB3123 Working with Evidence 2017

Assessment 2-Essay- journal critique

Number of words: 1200

This is an academic essay. You are required to conduct a critical appraisal of a primary research paper. Two papers are provided and you choose one (either quantitative or qualitative).

You should follow the format of an academic essay and use well-structured headings (for example, as you see in a journal article). Headings are signposts and give clarity to writing.

We suggest the critical appraisal has headings for the following areas:

1. Introduction
2. The research problem and its significance
3. The research design and the methods.
4. Findings and their relevance to contemporary nursing policy and practice
5. Conclusion

It is important you refresh your learning about academic essay writing and refer to the marking guide (assessment rubric). A range of resources to assist with Assessment 2 have been provided in VU collaborate. This includes information about how to write critically, how to write an introduction and conclusion. The following links are very useful.

https://www.vu.edu.au/campuses-services/student-support/academic-support-development/academic-writing/writing-types/essay-writing

Help is available at this link. If you would like more help with your academic writing, visit the Writing Space and chat to Student Writing Mentors about your assignment.

The critical appraisal will be marked on the following areas:
• Introduction
• Grammar, spelling and punctuation
• Sentence, paragraph structure & APA format
• Sequence and organisation of answer
• Closing paragraph / conclusion
• The research problem and its significance
• The research design and the methods.
• Findings and their relevance to contemporary nursing policy and practice
• Critical analysis.
• Sources and referencing
• Conclusion

Read the marking criteria when planning and writing the critical appraisal

There should be evidence of critical analysis of the research not just a gathering of information.

Select one of these original research articles to address the questions:

Ma, C., & Park, S. H. (2015). Hospital Magnet status, unit work environment, and pressure ulcers. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 47(6), 565-573.

OR

Rhodes, P., McDonald, R., Campbell, S., Daker?White, G., & Sanders, C. (2016). Sensemaking and the co?production of safety: a qualitative study of primary medical care patients. Sociology of Health & Illness, 38(2), 270-285.

Students are referred to relevant Victoria University assessment policies. Especially note the VU policy regarding criteria for special consideration and the documents you need to provide to support your application for an extension. Inquiries about his process to the unit of study Coordinator only before the due date. Requests after the due date will not be processed.

Students should take account the following requirements:

Essays submitted after 5 days will not be accepted or marked.

Every essay is checked for plagiarism. Make and keep a full copy of all work submitted for assessment.

This is an academic essay so dot points will not be accepted -i.e. use sentences.

The essay should be written and presented in a

  • scholarly manner
  • Double-space
  • Include a title page with your name.
  • Include accurate and systematic in-text referencing and a bibliography using APA Referencing: The essay should have a Reference List that includes at least 6 references:
    • At least one research textbook;
    • At least five journal articles published between 2011-2017.

Students are referred to relevant Victoria University assessment policies.

See also relevant VU policy regarding criteria for special consideration and the documents you need to provide to support your application for an extension. Inquiries about his process to the subject Coordinator only before the due date.

The word limit for the critical appraisal is 1200 words. There will be a 5% deduction for every 10% above or below the word limit

There are serious penalties for late submission and word limit infractions-Refer to University policies on submission guidelines. Essays submitted after 5 days will not be accepted or marked. Make and keep a full copy of all work submitted for assessment.

SAMPLE ANSWER

Introduction

The safety of patients in primary health care setting has mostly been explored in the context of eliminating medical error. This often leaves out important factors that patients find pertinent to their safety as established in the article “Sensemaking and the co-production of safety: a qualitative study of primary medical care patients” by Rhodes et al. (2016). The research by Rhodes et al. (2016) explores how primary care patients make sense of safety and co-produce safety, concluding that there is need for a broad conceptualisation of patient safety, in order to address patients’ concern on safety in primary care settings. This essay is a critical analysis of the article by Rhodes et al. (2016) to evaluate its research problem and significance, methodology used, findings and their significance in contemporary nursing policy and practice.

Research problem and significance

            The research problem as presented by Rhodes et al. (2016) is the safety of patients, with specific interest in the manner in which patients perceive and define safety, and how they make sense of their experiences in primary care settings. The patient perspective of safety presents a contemporary issue that is of considerable medical research interest, having been previously studied by among others Rhodes, et al. (2014), Baran et al (2011), Ricci-Cabello et al. (2016) and Daker-White, et al. (2015). All these studies seek to understand patients’ understanding of safety and how it can inform the medical profession, given that a majority of previous studies mostly focused on medical safety. Based on this, it can be established that Rhodes et al. (2016) take on an important research problem that is bound to provide viable solutions in patient safety.

The significance of the article by Rhodes et al. (2016) is that it addresses an important aspect of medical care (safety) and introduces the relevance of sensemaking in understanding the perception of patients on safety. Authors have justified the significance of their study as it helps in the identification of factors that influence patients’ sense of security, such that this can be addressed to ensure quality services are provided in healthcare settings. This resonates well with the research by Rhodes, Campbell and Sanders (2016), which establishes that patients envision safety in completely different ways than what has been documented. Daker-White et al. (2015) in their research offer similar sentiments but also discuss factors related to the patient including attendance errors, misjudgments, memory limitations, emotional factors and patient preferences that may impact on patient safety.

Research design and methods

This research utilizes the qualitative design in determining the sensemaking and safety co-production. Qualitative research denotes a design in which researchers aim at understanding phenomena by interacting with the population’s views and lived experiences (Yin, 2013). In obtaining data for the research, the interview method was utilized for the study. This was done through interviews among selected respondents, mostly in their homes. Quimby (2012) notes that interviews are effective in the collection of data because they allow the researcher to obtain more complete and authentic data.

The researchers make deliberate attempts at improving the reliability and validity of their research. Being a human subject research, it is commendable that the researchers sought ethical approval before beginning their research (Yin, 2013). An important aspect in conducting research is avoiding bias by ensuring that the study sample selected is representative of the population (Quimby, 2012). The researchers endeavored to ensure maximum variability in terms of age, career status, education level, socioeconomic level, and ethnic background. The study also included a wide age consideration, with respondents being aged between 18 and 78 years. However, it is notable that the method used in selecting the sample may not have been appropriate in ensuring equal representation. Being a form of purposive sampling, maximum variation sampling may lead to bias because it selects respondents based on the researcher’s convenience, which in this case led to a deliberate over-sampling of patients with long-term conditions. Snowballing may give rise to bias, given that the recruitment of respondents is based on referrals from the first batch of respondents (Yin, 2013). Despite attempting to show demographic variability, the authors do not break down the composition of the sample.

The data collected was analyzed using a qualitative data analysis software (NVivo10). The analysis involved thematic and iterative techniques, targeted at generating open codes. Some initial themes were identified through a coding system, and these were later distilled into three core themes. For sensemaking purposes, the data was reanalyzed using Weick’s framework.

Findings and their relevance to contemporary nursing policy and practice

The findings of this study are presented under three broad areas. The first is Sensemaking and the articulation of safety, whereby the authors discuss patient responses on their understanding of medical safety. The authors note that most respondents closely associate safety with the quality of care received and professionalism of the care provider. Further, participants reported the importance of both psychosocial and physical aspects of safety in primary care (Rhodes, Campbell & Sanders, 2016). These aspects of safety emerge in other studies such as Rhodes, Campbell and Sanders (2016) and Ulrich and Kear (2014).

The second area is sensemaking from experience: reflecting on safety and practice, where narration by patients identified the specific situations which made them feel unsafe including practitioner attitudes, doctor interpersonal skills, technical competence and the possibility of getting the same medical personnel for consecutive consultations. Results from Rhodes, et al. (2014) also indicate similar safety issues, where patient–doctor continuity is considered important in promoting patient safety. Ricci-Cabello et al. (2016) also identifies health professional behavior and attitudes and physical environment as factors influencing safety.

The third area is Proactive patients and the co-production of safety, where results indicated that patients can contribute to their own safety through proactive measures such as using their knowledge and previous experiences to safeguard against risk. Through understanding their conditions, obtaining information on treatment options, challenging practitioner procedures or decisions, patients were able to avoid risk. The study by Mehra (2015) alludes to this, based on its findings that information-seeking behavior among patients can play a vital role in promoting quality of health care.

The findings of this research have various implications for the nursing practice. The nursing practice needs to open up to the possibilities of more safety dimensions affecting patients such as physical, architectural, psychological and moral safety dimensions identified by Rhodes et al. (2016). Policy would need to go beyond the functional impairment that the health sector focuses on currently. Burgess et al. (2012) emphasizes on the need to expand beyond the ‘error risk’, by integrating newly discovered safety aspects including psychological and emotional harm. Rhodes et al. (2014) discover similar findings, establishing that psychological safety factors are important patient perspectives that should be considered in the medical profession. This is accentuated by Ricci-Cabello et al. (2016) who notes that current frameworks on patient safety are solely based on professional and healthcare system perspectives.

Conclusion

            This essay provides a critical analysis of the article Sensemaking and the co-production of safety: a qualitative study of primary medical care patients’ by Rhodes et al. (2016). This analysis has evaluated the problem statement, noting that the study investigates patient safety from a patient perspective through a sensemaking framework. The authors utilize a qualitative study approach, involving the use of semi-structured interview to collect responses form a total of 38 respondents. The study presents important findings for nursing, such as the close association between safety and quality in patient’s interpretation of safety.

References:

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