Research Methodologies and Methods

Research Methodologies

Research Methodologies and Methods

Order Instructions:

Please follow these instructions as they are very important for this chapter:

1.You should begin the Research Methodologies chapter by stating, again, the research objectives of the project. This will enable the reader to make an assessment as to the validity of your chosen research methodology.

2.This chapter is that part of the dissertation where you have the opportunity to justify to the reader the process by which the research questions, which were derived by an analysis of the relevant literature, were answered.

3.It is not sufficient to say, for example, “suitable respondents were sampled using a quota sampling technique and then surveyed using a postal questionnaire” and then leave it at that.

4.It might well be the case that, given the problem(s) to be investigated, such a choice of research methods is entirely appropriate. However, if you have not taken the opportunity to justify your research choices to a reader they could be correct in assuming that you have, by chance, merely guessed at what would work and, more by luck than judgement, arrived at the ‘correct’ solution to the problem.

5.The term ‘methodology’, particularly when employed in the social sciences, does not just mean method, but also the governing philosophy behind the methods employed

6.The chapter on research methodology must, painstakingly argue for, and justify each, decision that is taken when arriving at the way in which the research is to be organized.

7.Every time that you, the researcher, have to make a choice from a number of options, you must state what each of these are, why you made the choice you did, and why you rejected those not used.

8.The conclusion of this chapter should provide a summary of the main points that have been covered. The conclusion should also direct the reader as to how the contents of this chapter link in with the contents of the next chapter, your findings.

9.All References must be in Harvard Style.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE:
please read the proposal which it is attached as the all information regarding the methodology is written there.

SAMPLE ANSWER

Research Methodologies and Methods

Introduction

The objectives of this research include exploring the role of training and development on the performance of organizations in Qatar; and identifying the strategic measures that organizations can pursue in training and development. In achieving research objectives, the research methodology plays a vital role in promoting research reliability and authenticity. This insinuates that the methodology chosen for research must promise to effectively meet the research objectives by answering the research questions adequately. This chapter provides an elaborate description of how the research was conducted, including the research design, sampling procedures sample size, data collection methods, data analysis methods and legal and ethical considerations.

Research Design

This study utilizes the qualitative research design approach to explore the human resource strategies that influence employee engagement within organizations in Qatar. Qualitative research is considered an effective approach in business studies research, given that it seeks to understand phenomena based on lived experiences and views of individuals who have interacted directly with the phenomena (Chesnay, 2014). The use of qualitative research helps the researcher in understanding underlying perceptions, opinions, reasons, comprehension and motivations among respondents, based on their interaction or experience with the subject of study (Leew, Hox & Dillman, 2012). In this case, the research works with employees, who provide responses based on their experiences on training and development programs in their organizations. Qualitative research is selected over quantitative research approach for this research due to the nature of the research, which mostly consists of descriptive data (Anney, 2014). Unlike quantitative research which involves the analysis of statistical data and structured data sets, qualitative research is used in exploratory studies whose data may vary significantly in structure, such as the data collected from interviews (Padilla-Díaz, 2015)

Data collection and research methods

The data for use in this research was collected using both primary and secondary data. Primary data is highly important in research because it provides first-hand information from research. Given that the researcher employs data collection and analysis procedures that are carefully selected with the aim of obtaining the most appropriate results for the research, primary data is considered more reliable (Rose, Spinks & Canhoto, 2014). Secondary data’s importance cannot be underestimated, given that it provides valuable information to guide research based on previous researches (Rose, Spinks & Canhoto, 2014). Secondary data consisted of peer-reviewed journal articles, books, case studies and other sources of information regarding training and development in organizations. Secondary data was mostly used in literature review and discussion of findings from primary data.

To collect primary data for the completion of this research, the researcher utilizes two qualitative inquiry methods, namely: semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. These were effective in understanding how employee engagement is influenced by human resource strategy. Using these methods, the research employs an exploratory approach in obtaining information, by collecting diverse information from the interviews and open-ended questionnaires.

The semi-structured interview approach works by integration pre-determined questions with open questions that elicit a conversation, such that the researcher can explore various themes further (Cohen Manion & Morrison, 2011). Semi-structured interviews were used based on their ability to collect diverse information from respondents regarding the research subject, which ensured that the research questions are adequately answered. Since the researcher was not restricted to a particular interview script like in structured interviews where the researcher must follow the pre-determined questions, semi-structured interviews ensured that the researcher could collect information on areas of interest depending on the recipient (Leew, Hox & Dillman, 2012). On the contrary, semi-structured interviews may be time consuming and failure to guide the interviewee may divert the interview from important matters or lead to the collection of a lot of unnecessary information, which makes analysis more difficult (Leew, Hox & Dillman, 2012). To counter this, the researcher allocated specific timings for questions to ensure that respondents did not dwell too much on some at the expense of others. The researcher also remained in control of the interviews, by guiding the respondents when they seemed to be diverting from the main agenda.

Questionnaires were considered effective in the collection of data due to their ability to collect data from a large population within a short period of time. Questionnaires also save costs besides saving time, compared to interviews, where the researcher had to spend considerable time and money for travelling and conducting interviews (Holt & Pamment, 2011). They were also easier to administer because the respondents can fill them at their own convenience and without having to reveal their identity, which improves confidentiality (Christopher, 2013). Uniformity of data would also achieved due to the pre-determined questions, which makes analysis easier. However, data from questionnaires may be less accurate because the researcher has no way of controlling how the respondent answers the questions and whether canvasing is involved. Despite this shortcoming, questionnaires were considered more effective due to the high number of respondents involved in the research. Furthermore, combining this approach with semi-structured interviews ensured that the researcher obtained more reliable results.

Research Population and sample size

The target population for this research was the Qatar workforce. Given that Qatar is a region with a vibrant business environment and diverse human resource practices, the population would provide adequate information for strategies that influence employee engagement. A sample of 100 employees was utilized for the research. Employees were selected from 10 companies operating in Qatar, such that 10 respondents were selected from each company. The selection process was done in collaboration with the human resource managers from the respective organizations.

Sampling Procedures

This research targets 100 employees from Qatar to get useful data for analysis and conclusions. To achieve this, a combination of simple random sampling and purposive sampling were employed.

Simple random sampling refers to a method of sample selection where the every member of the population has an opportunity to be included in the research (Nahorniak, et al., 2015) According to Christopher (2013), this eliminates bias and ensures that the information collected to a great extent represents the entire population. Simple random sampling was considered more effective than other probability sampling methods such as stratified sampling and cluster sampling. Stratified sampling requires the researcher to perform random sampling within subgroups of the population, which ensures that smaller groups within the population are equally represented (Nahorniak, et al., 2015) This is considered highly effective in ensuring equal representation but this research did not require this form of stratification. Cluster sampling is applicable where there are numerous micros clusters within the population, such that a random sample of each cluster is considered. This method would not be applicable in this research because the researcher‘s selection criteria was not aimed at dividing the population into clusters.

Purposive sampling is where the researcher selects the sample based on which respondents can provide the kind of information being sought, often informed by their knowledge and experience in the subject under inquiry (Monette, Sullivan & DeJong, 2013). This increases the probability of obtaining more accurate information and consequently enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the study results. Purposive sampling is widely used among researchers in situations where specific respondent knowledge and expertise is needed. The downside of purposive sampling is that it may be biased, given that the researcher influences the respondents to be included in the research (Patton, 2015). In essence, it is the opposite of random sampling which aims at ensuring equal representation of the population. To address this, the researcher aimed at avoiding bias by ensuring that the respondents were only selected based on their qualifications and experience.

Simple random sampling was used in selecting the companies to be included in the research. Employees were selected from 10 companies identified using simple random sampling. In selecting a sample for the research, purposive sampling was used in selecting respondents who would offer appropriate data on how human resource strategies influence employee engagement in Qatar. The researcher collected a list of 150 companies in Qatar and then used a random number selection application to identify 10 companies whose employees were to be involved in the research. Once the companies were identified, the researcher approached the human resource manager in the companies to assist in selection of respondents through purposive sampling. This was considered an appropriate measure because the human resource manager was in a better position to identify individuals within the organization who meet the selection criteria. As provided in purposive sampling, a random sample may not always be effective in selecting a sample due to the possibility of selecting respondents who may not offer adequate information to answer the research questions.

In order for an employee to qualify as a potential respondent, he or she must have worked in Qatar for at least 10 years and worked in their current organization for at least three years. This would ensure that the respondents could provide adequate information in the Qatar context as well as the company context. One employee from each company had to be the human resource manager while two employees from each company had to be department managers. The other seven employees were sourced from different departments within the organization, ensuring that as many departments as possible were represented. The researcher interviewed 30 employees out of this sample, who basically included the human resources and department managers. The interviews were aimed at establishing what managers thought about the impact of training and development on their employees’ performance. Questionnaires were issued to the other 70 employees to determine employees’ reaction to training and development on their performance.

Data Analysis approach

Following the collection of relevant data, the researcher used Microsoft Excel in analyzing the data by employing the various statistical data analysis tools available on the software. This included a combination of excel tabulations, pie charts and tables for visual presentation of the data collected from the research and perform inferential statistical tests. Coding was used in analyzing data from the interviews.

Microsoft Excel is considered one of the most utilized tool for data analysis globally due to the numerous functions including calculation and computation tools, presentation tools and statistical analysis functions. Jackson (2012) notes that Ms Excel makes analysis easier by providing formulas for analyzing data for comparison purposes. It is also effective in presenting information from data collected, thus enhancing data analysis and dissemination.

Coding is known for its ability to analyze qualitative data, hence its selection for the analysis of interview data collected in the research. Coding involves the classification of research findings into different categories and assigning them codes, based on themes identified (Klenke, 2016). This allows for narrative data to be effectively analyzed and thus promote result accuracy. Ms Excel provided an excellent platform for data entry, coding and analysis and will thus be effective in this process.

Validity & Reliability

In order for research results to be effectively utilized to inform strategy, policy and development of other researches among other uses, validity and reliability are considered essential prerequisites. This research makes deliberate attempts at enhancing validity and reliability through well implemented research procedures and eliminating possible errors. To enhance validity, the researcher went through training on interview performing skills to ensure that the process was flawlessly executed and that the right procedures were used to reduce chances of researcher bias (Powell, Hughes-Scholes & Sharman, 2012). To ensure that the research is reliable, the researcher utilizes purposive sampling which ensures that the sample selected is of the highest quality and that it provides high level data on the research. To minimize bias, the researcher uses random sampling to select the sample companies to be used for research (Yin, 2013). Ethical sampling and respondent communication also played an important aspect in promoting validity and reliability. The researcher ensured that the sampling process was as transparent as possible and that the respondents were given an opportunity for informed consent (Quimby, 2012). The use of reliable and efficient data analysis techniques also played a significant role in promoting the reliability of the research (Leavy, 2014).

Ethical Issues

Researchers are expected to maintain high ethical standards in order for research validity and authenticity to be achieved. In this regard, the research will be conducted within the legal frameworks and uphold highest standards of ethics during the collection and utilization of information. To achieve this, the researcher will seek approval from the ethics committee before commencing the study. Secondly, the researcher will ensure that all respondents selected for the study participate out of their own consent and that no one is coerced into being part of the study. Thirdly, the researcher will observe the following ethical issues with regards to research.

Permission to conduct study

Ethical standards require that when conducting a research in an institutional setting, it is important to seek permission from authorities in order to ensure that they are aware of the researcher’s intentions and activities (Hammersley & Traianou, 2012).This research was done in private organizations in Qatar and selection of respondents was done in conjunction with the human resource manager. This means that the first step in conducting the research was to seek permission from the organization.

Privacy and confidentiality

An important ethical factor in research is ensuring that the privacy and confidentiality of respondents is maintained. This means that their views should only be used for research purposes and should not be shared with third parties or used to incriminate them (Quimby, 2012). In this research, privacy and confidentiality was assured in the entire process through various actions. Firstly, the researcher assured participants that their responses would only use used in informing the research and not for any other purpose. Secondly, their views and information collected from them would not be shared with third parties including their managers or marketing companies. Thirdly, respondents given the questionnaire would not be required to indicate their names, thus boosting their assurance on confidentiality (Chesnay, 2014). Those who participated in interviews were assured that their personal credentials and responses would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Informed consent

Research ethics require that participants must not be coerced into participating in any study and that they must do so upon their own volition. To ensure that this is achieved the researcher is expected to ensure informed consent, which involves providing adequate information to respondents regarding the research, to help them make an informed decision on whether to participate or not (Resnik, 2016). To address this issue, the researcher sent information to the respondents indicating the purpose of the research, data collection methods and expected usefulness of the research.

Conclusion

This chapter comprehensively explains the methodology that this research applied in exploring the role of training and development in enhancing organizational strategy. The chapter establishes that this research utilizes the qualitative method, with interviews and questionnaires being used in the collection of data. The data analysis method to be used to scrutinize findings as well as the how validity and reliability of research will be ensured are discussed. The chapter also defines the population, sample and sampling methods used in determining the sample for research; and defines the ethical issues considered during the research.

The next chapter consists of the findings from the research, which comprises of the data collected from the interviews and questionnaires. The results will form a basis for analysis and consequently the research findings.

Reference List

Anney, VN 2014, ‘Ensuring the Quality of the Findings of Qualitative Research: Looking at Trustworthiness Criteria,’ Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies (JETERAPS), 5, 2, pp. 272-281.

Chesnay, 2014, Nursing Research Using Phenomenology: Qualitative Designs and Methods in Nursing Qualitative Designs and Methods in Nursing Qualitative Designs and Methods, New York, Springer Publishing Company.

Christopher JL et al., 2013, Understanding and Conducting Research in the Health Sciences, New York, John Wiley & Sons.

Cohen, L, Manion, L, & Morrison, K 2011, Research methods in education (7 Ed), New York, NY, Routledge.

Hammersley, M & Traianou, A 2012, Ethics in Qualitative Research: Controversies and Contexts, London, SAGE.

Holt, A, & Pamment, N 2011, ‘Overcoming the challenges of researching ‘young offenders’: using assisted questionnaires – a research note’, International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 14, 2, pp. 125-133. Retrieved from web.b.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=4&sid=f1b1bdbc-05f3-4993-8562-fccca8390c55%40sessionmgr104&hid=129

Jackson, SL 2012, A Concise Guide to Statistical Analyses Using Excel, SPSS, and the TI-84 Calculator, Spiral bound Version, London, Cengage Learning.

Klenke, K 2016, Qualitative Research in the Study of Leadership: Second Edition, Bingley, Emerald Group Publishing.

Leavy, P 2014, The Oxford Handbook of Qualitative Research Oxford library of psychology, London, Oxford University Press.

Leew, ED, Hox, J & Dillman, D 2012, International Handbook of Survey Methodology European Association of Methodology Series, London, Routledge.

Monette, DR, Sullivan, TJ & DeJong, CR 2013, Applied Social Research: A Tool for the Human Services, London, Cengage Learning.

Nahorniak, M, Larsen, D, Volk, C, & Jordan, C 2015, ‘Using Inverse Probability Bootstrap Sampling to Eliminate Sample Induced Bias in Model Based Analysis of Unequal Probability Samples’, Plos ONE, 10, 6, pp. 1-19. Retrieved from web.b.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=e6d41ef7-1645-4338-8b7e-42001aa3e445%40sessionmgr102&vid=0&hid=129

Padilla-Díaz, M 2015, ‘Phenomenology in Educational Qualitative Research: Philosophy as Science or Philosophical Science?’, International Journal of Educational Excellence, 1, 2, pp. 101-110 Retrieved from www.suagm.edu/umet/ijee/pdf/1_2/padilla_diaz_ijee_1_2_101-110.pdf

Patton, MQ 2015, Qualitative research & evaluation methods (4th ed.), Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications.

Powell, MB, Hughes-Scholes, CH & Sharman, SJ 2012, ‘Skill in Interviewing Reduces Confirmation Bias’, Journal of Investigative Psychology & Offender Profiling, 9(2), pp. 126-134. doi:10.1002/jip.1357. Retrieved from web.b.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=5&sid=840a00b8-3a9a-4750-b4ac-149ff58712c0%40sessionmgr105&hid=124

Quimby, E 2012, Doing Qualitative Community Research: Lessons for Faculty, Students and the Community, UAE, Bentham Science Publishers.

Resnik, DB 2016, ‘Employees as Research Participants: Ethical and Policy Issues’, IRB: Ethics & Human Research, 38, 4, pp. 11-16. Retrieved from web.b.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=8&sid=f1b1bdbc-05f3-4993-8562-fccca8390c55%40sessionmgr104&hid=129

Rose, S, Spinks, N & Canhoto, AI 2014, Management Research: Applying the Principles, London, Routledge Yin, RK, 2013, Case Study Research: Design and Methods, New York, SAGE Publications.

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Product differentiation costs and balance sheet quality

Product differentiation costs

Order Instructions:

Evaluation of Accounting Policy and Quality
Ernesto Simon
ACC510 Financial Reporting and Disclosure
Excelsior College

SAMPLE ANSWER

Product differentiation costs and balance sheet quality

Product differentiation plays an important role in promoting company performance. However, costs associated with product differentiation are likely to affect the health of a balance sheet to a considerable extent by presenting quality issues.

Product differentiation could be a highly expensive endeavor. In Starbuck’s case, the company incurs expenses related to market research, training, fair trade and sustainable environmental issues, which to a great extent impact on the company’s liquidity. Smith (2015) notes that investors are more likely to be attracted to companies whose balance sheets indicate higher growth potential and ability to meet short-term obligations. Low cash balances on the other hand could be detrimental in that they could indicate a weak balance sheet. On the contrary, maintaining very high cash balances raises a question of whether the company is not utilizing its resources effectively to create business. The amount used in product differentiation thus considerably influences the quality of the balance sheet.

Product differentiation expenses could lead to a high amount of short-term liabilities at Starbucks, in the form of debts owed to suppliers, thus leading to a poor quality balance sheet. When a company has more liabilities in comparison with cash flows necessary for the repayment of debts, the company’s balance sheet could indicate a possibility of bankruptcy in future. Product differentiation thereby presents potential to cause balance sheet quality issues if the expenses associated with it are too high or if the liabilities take a long time to be cleared, such that they appear overwhelming on the balance sheet.

Capitalizing Starbuck’s brand value

Starbuck’s brand value according to Interbrand.com was 4,062 $m in 2012. Capitalizing the brand value would affect the balance sheet by increasing the value of assets in the company. The change on balance sheet can be illustrated as follows.

Total assets after capitalization = 8,219.2 + 4,062 = 12,281.2

	Before capitalization	With brand capitalization
Total assets	8,219.2	12,281.2
Total liabilities	549.6	549.6
Net assets	7669.6	11,731.4

Brand capitalization effects

From a credit analyst perspective and with interest in capturing risk and economics of Starbuck’s activities, I would not advocate brand asset capitalization for the company. This is because it has a negative impact on the general health of the financial statements. The calculations below show the impact of capitalizing the brand, which works by increasing the company’s assets.

= 549.6/8,219.2 = 0.066

After capitalization

= 549.6 / (8,219.2 + 4,062)

= 549.6/12,281.2

= 0.044

Based on the above calculation, it is evident that an increase in assets reduces the debt to asset ratio; an indication that the company is in a position to repay its liabilities effectively. However, the brand value does translate into assets that can be liquidated to pay liabilities unless the company is sold off. Therefore, the lower debt to asset ratio would only create an illusion of great ability to pay debt but this may not be an actual strength for the company.

= 1,383.8/8,219.2 = 0.17

After capitalization

= 1,383.8/(8,219.2+4,062)

= 0.11

The return on assets ratio demonstrates how well a company’s assets are utilized in increasing profitability for the company. Upon capitalization of the brand, Starbucks would appear to have made $0.11 out of every dollar invested, which represents 11% return. This was 17% without brand capitalization, meaning that capitalization would reduce the return to a considerable level. Consequently, this may not reflect well on the company’s finances.

Shareholder equity before brand capitalization = 5,109

Shareholder equity with brand capitalization = 12,281 – 3,104.7 = 9170.8

Return on equity ratio before brand capitalization = 1,383.8/5,109 = 0.27

ROE after brand capitalization = 1,383.8 / 9170.8 = 0.15

Return on equity reflects the return on investments. In this scenario, it is demonstrated that stakeholders earned $0.27 for each dollar invested. If Starbucks was to capitalize its brand value, there would be a $0.15 gain for every dollar, which essentially appears lower for the investors. Given that return on equity is an indication of business health, a 15% return on investment would be considered unhealthy for the business compared to 27% recorded before capitalization.

Long-lived assets

Starbucks evaluates impairment of its long-lived assets when it is apparent that carrying values may not be recoverable. Based on this action, the quality of accounting under GAAP and IFRS is assessed as follows. Both GAAP and IFRS require testing of long-lived assets for impairment when there is existence of an impairment indicator, in addition to providing guidance on when to test. This is considerably relevant in improving the quality of accounting for long-lived assets as applied in Starbuck’s case. Secondly, both accounting standards call for impairment tests at least annually for indefinite-lived intangible assets such as goodwill, and more frequently when indicators for impairment exist. This is bound to enhance the quality of accounting by ensuring that the value of long-lived assets is updated.

The accounting policy for Starbucks in establishing useful life where a lease renewal option exists ensures that the company can accurately estimate the useful life of the lease. Starbucks uses the original lease term to calculate the useful life, which ensures that the useful life can be recalculated at the renewal period to provide a better estimate. In the event of building modification and improvements during a lease for example, the useful life may improve considerably. Calculating a useful life that is effective throughout the lease period may not represent the actual useful life of the lease. The approach used by Starbucks is therefore appropriate for the company and can significantly enhance the accuracy of its financial position.

Estimate of average useful life

A company’s accounts must demonstrate any changes in estimates, by prospectively accounting for them in the financial statements. Prospective application ensures that there is no need to undertake frequent revisions on previous period figures that may lead to excessive complications in financial statements through having to revise them to accommodate new changes.

	2012	2011	2010	2009
Depreciable cost	6,592.8	5,990.9	5,657.1	5,523.5
Depreciation expense	580.6	550	540.8
Depreciation rate	8.8%	9.2%	9.5%

Depreciation rate x depreciable asset cost = annual depreciation

Depreciation rate = annual depreciation/ depreciable asset cost

Depreciation rate 2012 = 580.6/6,592.8 = 0.088 = 8.8%

Depreciation rate 2011 = 550/5,990.9 = 0.092% = 9.2%

Depreciation rate 2010 = 540.8/5,657.1 = 0. 095 = 9.5%

Average depreciation rate = 9.16%

Starbucks uses straight-line depreciation where,

Depreciation rate = 1/no. of years of useful life

No. of years = 1/depreciation rate

=1/9.16% = 10.91

The average useful life of Starbuck’s assets based on the information above is 10.91 years.

Effect on net income and basic earnings per share

Effect on income

Depreciation using 2011 average = 9.2/100 x 6,592.8 = $606.5.

Increase in depreciation expense = 606.5 – 580.6 = $25.9

New net income = 1,383.8 – 25.9 = $1,357.9

Given that expenditure reduces the value of net income, the income statement would show a reduced net income. If the average depreciation for 2011 was used in place of 2012, the net income would decrease by the value of the added depreciation. The new depreciation expense would be $606.5. This depreciation expense is higher than $580.6 obtained using the 2012 rate and this results in a lower net income.

Effect on basic earnings per share

EPS = $1,357.9 – 7.5/754.4

EPS with new income = 1.79

A decrease in the income would lead to a decrease in the earnings per share. Net income is directly proportional to EPS and this means that a higher income is likely to result in a higher EPS. A reduction in the income results in a lower numerator, hence leading to a lower fraction. In this example, the net income decreases, leading to an EPS value of 1.79 compared to the previous value of 1.83 as provided in Starbuck’s 2012 financial statements.

Significance of the inventory reserves

Inventory reserves promote the quality of financial statements by ensuring that the company can shield itself from unforeseen circumstances that lead to lower cost of their inventory lower, spoilage, theft or obsolescence. Starbuck’s policy on inventory reserves not only assures quality for its customers but it also means that the company protects itself from balance sheet and income statement deterioration. This is because in the event of a lower cost for inventory than anticipated, the inventory reserve can cater for the changes. In the event of plummeting prices for example, Starbucks would record the difference by reducing that inventory account and increasing cost of goods by the change. The company’s total assets are reduced and so does the net income. However, the overall loss effect is shielded by the inventory reserve, which ensures that the loss from lower prices does not affect the company’s financial position.

Revenue recognition for store value cards

In accounting perspective, funds from customers in the form of store value cards or gift cards are considered as unearned revenues and a liability. In this respect, they can only be recorded as sales revenue once redeemed, thus eliminating the liability. Store value cards have the potential of affecting balance sheet quality because they increase liabilities. The management’s decision to recognize unclaimed cards is based on assumption that the owners will not redeem the cards. This means that in the event that the customer utilizes the card, the company may need to reverse the transaction, thus affecting the quality of its income statement. Starbucks recognizes the value of stored value cards when they are redeemed or tendered for payment. This ensures that income is only recorded once it has been earned, thus maintaining the quality of financial statements. In certain circumstances, the stored value cards may remain inactive for long periods or not be redeemed within a certain period of time, whereby the company can declare the likelihood for redemption remote and thus recognize the value of the cards as earnings. Income on unredeemed value cards increases the earnings for the company.

Reference

Wahlen, J. M., Baginski, S. P. & Bradshaw, B. (2014). Financial Reporting, Financial

Statement Analysis and Valuation. San Francisco, CA: Cengage Learning, 2014

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Behavioral and psychosocial responses

Order Instructions:

In the discussion part explain the behavioral and psychological responses identified in the patient/family to their illness in relation to the literature presented in your introduction and literature review section. Use evidence to support the key issues you’ve identified in your literature review. To do this effectively, you’ll need to critically analyse and evaluate your Literature.

Also, consider external (e.g., social and physical environmental) factors – NOT just the internal causes such as the illness, biology,or personality etc
In this section, also discuss how the nursing/paramedic care management issues contributed to the patient/family’s behavioural and psychological responses and how they affect the patient’s outcome. Link it with case study.

SAMPLE ANSWER

Behavioral and psychosocial responses

As mentioned by Abdel-Kader, Unruh, & Weisbord, 2009, patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have difficulty in falling asleep. One of the main causes of disturbed sleeping pattern is restless leg syndrome (RLS). RLS occurs when the patient legs are at rest, and is associated with itchy, painful and irritating feeling. This experience is exacerbated by alcohol, tobacco and caffeine. In addition, it has been hypothesized that inadequate dialysis clearance can lead to poor sleeping pattern. This is because build up of waste in blood causes the patient to feel uncomfortable and ill due to toxins build up in the patient’s body. Emotional health such as anxiety, sadness and worry can keep the patient up at night, thereby altering her sleeping pattern (Iliescu, Yeates, & Holland, 2004).

Depression and anxiety is also another common psychosocial response in patients diagnosed with CKD. According to Boer and colleagues 2007, depression is associated with multiple outcomes such as rates of hospitalizations, poor treatment compliance and impaired health related quality of life. In this Mr Jacobs case, the most likely cause of depression is that he has a lot of information to process about his health, leading to strong emotions about changes in his life that could bring up despair. For instance, some restrictions such as fluid intake, control of diet and discomforts associated with insertion of arteriovenous fistula, central venous catheters and the sound of the dialysis machines are other sources of depression in patients diagnosed with CKD. These complex daily functioning and fear of future influence patient’s level of anxiety. This is because they cause unfavorable self image causing negative emotions such as anger, disappointment, dissatisfaction and despondency.

Jenifer and Veronica 2013, report that socio economic status also affects the psychological and behavioral responses to CKD. The study indicates that patient’s income, occupation, wealth and education influences their responses, with people from low economic and education background experiencing the most negative responses. Smoking and alcohol use also increases risk for CKD progression through oxidative stress, tubular atrophy, endothelial dysfunction; which in turn increases risks for depression. When these environmental factors exceed the adaptive capacity of the patient’s psychological and physiological responses, they develop a condition known as stress. This is associated with tissue damage and progression of the diseases

Nursing care management and its influence on patient’s outcomes

According to Siedel and colleagues 2014, classical social relationships affect the patient’s well being. Evidence based research indicates that patients that have sparse social support have high risk of dying. The exact mechanism of dense social support as a protective mechanism in patients diagnosed with CKD is unknown, but it is hypothesized that such support protects the patients against the environmental threats to their health. Mr. Jacob condition is deteriorating because he is not receiving the adequate social support. He has the difficult of going to social functions and the feelings are overwhelming. Janice feels overwhelmed with taking care of taking care of Mr. Jacobs because she performs all her household chores and Mr. Jacobs is uncooperative.

Włoszczak-Szubzda ,Jarosz, & Goniewicz, 2013 argue that elementary duty of nurses is to give assistance and CARE- which is an acronym referring to “Comfort, Acceptance, Responsiveness and Empathy.” The psychological comfort of the patient is determined by the nurse’s skills in undertaking sensitive health issues. Poor nursing care plans results into greater patient’s discomfort and risk of getting depressed. The concept of acceptance refers to respecting of patient’s feelings as well as their attitudes. For instance, the nurse accepted Mr. Jacobs’s decision of refusing to take sedatives. To ensure positive behavioral and physiological responses, the nurse must be cultural competent.

Responsiveness refers to Nurse’s perceptions on the patient’s verbal and non-verbal communication, listening and observing the patient, paying attention to the patient’s gestures, hesitation, and the body sign language. For instance, the nurse in the dayshift observed that the patient was irritable and anxious. However, no interventions are made to manage the patient anxiety, which is probably the reason why Mr. Jacobs could not sleep. The last aspect is empathy, which is basically the nurse’s capability to experience the psychological states of the patient, and the skills of understanding their thinking and disease perception. This aspect is important especially when designing patient education on effective coping strategies (Włoszczak-Szubzda ,Jarosz, & Goniewicz, 2013).

References

Abdel-Kader, K., Unruh, M.L., &Weisbord, S. D. (2009).Symptom burden, depression, and quality of life in chronic and end-stage kidney disease. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 4(6):1057-64. doi: 10.2215/CJN.00430109. Epub 2009 May 7.

Boer, K. R., Mahler, C. W., Unlu, C., Lamme, B., Vroom, M. B., Sprangers, M. A., … Boermeester, M. A. (2007). Long-term prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in patients after secondary peritonitis. Critical Care, 11(1), R30. Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.1186/cc5710

Iliescu, E. A., Yeates, K.E., & Holland, D.C. (2004). Quality of sleep in patients with chronic kidney disease. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2004 Jan;19(1):95-9.

Jennifer F., and Veronica J. T, (2013).“The Psychosocial Experience of Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease and Its Impact on Quality of Life: Findings from a Needs Assessment to Shape a Service,” ISRN Nephrology, vol. 2013, Article ID 308986, 8 pages, 2013. doi:10.5402/2013/308986

Seidel UK, Gronewold J, Volsek M, Todica O, Kribben A, et al. (2014) Physical, Cognitive and Emotional Factors Contributing to Quality of Life, Functional Health and Participation in Community Dwelling in Chronic Kidney Disease. PLOS ONE 9(3): e91176. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0091176

Szubzda A, Jarosz MJ, Goniewicz M. (2013). Professional communication competences of paramedics – practical and educational perspectives. Ann Agric Environ Med. 20(2): 366–372.

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Fireproof Movie Review Assignment Paper

Fireproof Movie Review

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Essay must be written in APA, double space at least 290 words

Movie Review

Critical Read and Review Description. Thoroughly discuss and answer all Questions 1-5. Included Proper in-text citation. Apply Attached APA_Sample_Paper.

1.Read, analyze, and critique the movie Fireproof . Then, follow these instructions
Your thread must be at least 290 words

2.WATCH :THE MOVIE FIREPROOF IN ORDER TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE EMC EQUATION (IDENTIFIED NEEDS + INTENTIONAL RESOURCING = ENLARGING THE CONVERSATION). THROUGH THE LENS OF OUR COURSE MATERIALS, EXPLORE THE INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION CONCEPTS YOU IDENTIFIED IN THE MOVIE. FOR EXAMPLE, DID YOU FIND A DEGENERATIVE COMMUNICATION SPIRAL? WHAT ROLE DID SELF DISCLOSURE PLAY? HOW WAS IDENTITY REVEALED

Read, analyze, and critique the movie Fireproof . Then, follow these instructions
Your thread must be at least 275 words

1.In this module you have had the opportunity to watch the movie Fireproof in order to better understand the EMC equation (Identified Needs + Intentional Resourcing = Enlarging the Conversation).
2.Through the lens of our course materials, explore the interpersonal communication concepts you identified in the movie. For example, did you find a degenerative communication spiral?
3. What role did self disclosure play?
4. How was identity revealed?

References:

Movie: Fireproof, 2008

Books:

1. Stewart, J. (2012). Bridges not walls: A book about interpersonal communication (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

2. Petersen, James. (2015). Why don’t we listen better? Communicating and connecting in relationships. Portland, OR: Petersen Publications.

SAMPLE ANSWER

Fireproof Movie Review

After watching the Fireproof movie, I was able to note that the main characters in the movie had various interpersonal communication concepts. An environment of misunderstanding and dissatisfaction was created through the non-supportive behavior that existed between Caleb and Catherine. The two characters had a communication spiral which intensified the non-supportive relationship amongst them (Stewart, 2012).

Caleb and Catherine could not communicate to each other effectively. After realizing this fact, Caleb took an initiative to save his marriage through sending reconciliatory messages to Catherine. Catherine however, was not willing to gladly listen and respond well to the call. This is shown by the body language between the two characters during their numerous conversations which in most cases led to an argument (Fireproof, 2008). According to Peterson, poor communication skills is a great barrier towards creating deeper and healthy relationships and leads to distant friendships that are impersonal (Peterson, 2015). Peterson’s argument is fully evidenced in the Fireproofs movie because Caleb’s good intention of trying to save his marriage were seen by Catherine as ways employed by Caleb to upset her.

Caleb at some point, was on the verge of giving up because Catherine showed no sign of giving him a second chance. He however resorted to prayer hoping that all would be well for his family. On one occasion when Catherine found out that Caleb bought her mother’s items using his boat’s money, it dawned on her that her husband wasn’t only looking out for himself but cared for her too and was committed to seeing her through many challenges (Fireproof, 2008). By Caleb creating a strong relationship with God, everything started to work out for him, and Catherine realized that if her husband could change, then she could also do change.

References

Fireproof movie, 2008

Petersen, James. (2015). Why don’t we listen better? Communicating and connecting in relationships. Portland, OR: Petersen Publications.

Stewart, J. (2012). Bridges not walls: A book about interpersonal communication (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

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Project Analysis Coursework Assignment

Project Analysis

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Assignment 1: Project Analysis

In Week 1, you identified a need, such as new equipment, expanding curriculum, change in procedures, and so forth, that you want to address through the instructional curriculum you will create for your class project. You also provided a rationale why the problem or need exists. Each week is a building block as we move through the stages for planning instructional design to address the identified need. The purpose of this assignment is to document the planning process. Use the Internet to locate information that you believe will assist you with your project.

Write a three to four (3-4) page paper in which you:
Create a needs analysis for the identified need.
Determine the learner characteristics for the identified need.
Create three (3) objectives from the cognitive, behavioral, and affective domains for the identified need.
Create a procedural analysis flowchart using Excel, Visio, or one (1) of their equivalents such as OpenOffice or Dia. In the flowchart, identify the starting points, decision steps, and ending points related to the learning task. Note: The graphically depicted solution is not included in the required page length.
Include at least three (3) references (no more than ten [10] years old) from material outside the textbook. Note: Appropriate academic resources include reputable Websites, scholarly texts, and peer-reviewed articles. Wikipedia and other wikis do not qualify as academic resources.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.
Include charts or diagrams created in Excel, Visio, MS Project, or one (1) of their equivalents such as Open Project, Dia, and OpenOffice. The completed diagrams / charts must be imported into the Word document before the paper is submitted.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

Analyze theories and models of instructional design in relation to learner and program needs.
Analyze trends, standards, resources, and issues related to instructional design.
Use technology and information resources to research issues in instructional design and development.
Write clearly and concisely about issues in instructional design and development using proper writing mechanics.

Additionally, attached is the Week 3 Assignment 1 sample paper. Please pay very close attention to the APA format of the papers and please use the EXACT format of the sample paper. when you develop your own paper. In other words, use the sample papers as a template to develop your own paper. Each paper that is submitted MUST include the exact same headings as the sample papers. The headings should be placed above each paragraph as shown in the sample papers. In-text citations and source integration must also be embedded throughout the papers. Remember, if in-text citations and source integration is not included in your papers, it implies that you have plagiarized your work. In addition, ALL papers MUST be in APA style with a cover page, a running header, and a reference page. References should not be older than 10 years and ALL references must include a year of publication or a date that it was retrieved.

SAMPLE ANSWER

Project Analysis

Introduction

This paper intends to present an analysis for the need of expanding a curriculum. Notably, when expanding curriculum various learner characteristics need to be identified. Moreover, when expanding curriculum, consideration should be made regarding cognitive objectives, behavioral objectives, and the affective domain objectives. Therefore, this paper will discuss the various learner characteristics identified, and the different objectives regarding expanding the curriculum.

Need Analysis

Notably, in the class in consideration, it has been identified that students need to improve on their self-direction (Dent, & McChesney, 2016). The students should learn how to take responsibility for their life and the decisions they make. Secondly, it has been identified that the students need to improve on being practical and oriented to results (Dent, & McChesney, 2016). A practical student is likely to dislike theory. Thirdly, it has been identified that students need to improve their motivation according to Huang (2012) since learning is in most cases a voluntary thing. Fourth it has been identified that students need to improve on being less open-minded according to Huang, (2012). When a learner is less open-minded, they are likely to show more resistance to change. Fifth it has been identified that students need to improve on slower learning according to Sayer, (2015). Furthermore, it has also been identified that students need to improve on having integrative knowledge. Sixth it has been identified that students need to improve their use of personal experience as a form of a resource according to Sayer, (2015).

Learner Characteristics

Among the characteristics of the students in the class in consideration is that a majority of the students are adult students. Secondly, the students in consideration are practical students. Thus, the students tend to be more focused on information, which may be instantly applicable to the needs of their profession. Furthermore, the students focus on the practical knowledge they can use in improving the skills they have, facilitating their vocation, and boosting their confidence according to Dent, & McChesney, (2016). In addition, the students in the class in consideration are, attending school as a personal choice, since attending school is aimed at improving their skills in their job and influencing the achievement of professional growth. The students in the class in consideration are mature and have also gone through profound experiences in life thus becoming rigid, which discourages learning.

Notably, as an individual grows old, learning is affected. Thus, the students in the class in consideration have a tendency of gaining knowledge less rapidly according to Dent & McChesney (2016). Additionally, the students in the class in consideration have seen a lot of things in their lives and done a lot of things too since they are adults. Thus, the students tend to link the experiences they have gone through in the past to everything new. Moreover, the students tend to corroborate new concepts by referring to prior learning.

Objectives

There are various objectives of expanding a curriculum. However, when expanding a curriculum consideration should be made regarding cognitive objectives, behavioral objectives, and the affective domain objectives. Cognitive objectives are associated with the mental skills of an individual, while affective objectives are associated with the emotional development of an individual. Behavioral objectives, on the other hand, are associated with the things students are anticipated to do as opposed to things teachers are anticipated to do. Therefore, the first objective of expanding curriculum is helping learners to understand, which forms a cognitive objective according to Dent & McChesney (2016). A curriculum is expected to help learners comprehend the things they are taught. Furthermore, a curriculum should enable learners to understand relationships with their inferiors, their equals, and their superiors. Thus, a curriculum should be able to help learners have a meaningful learning and remember paraphrased information. Consequently, through a curriculum learners should understand how to define a concept.

The second objective of expanding curriculum is helping learners gain personal development, which forms a behavioral objective according to Huang (2012). A curriculum should aim at helping students to recognize the strengths they have. Furthermore, a curriculum should reveal to students their own needs along with their individuality. Through an appropriate curriculum, students should develop skills necessary in achieving their potential as they make a meaningful contribution to the society. The third objective of expanding a curriculum is to help learners gain thinking skills, which forms the “affective” objective according to Sayer (2015). A curriculum should enable students to connect the knowledge they already have, and the new information they get, different materials, or the media, and the environment. Through an appropriate curriculum, learners should be able to identify premises accordingly, analyze relationships with ease, and authenticate conclusions.

Conclusion

Expanding curriculum is one of the competent ways of helping students to learn. Moreover, expanding of a curriculum also creates ease for instructors in their role of teaching. The essay above has thus, provided an analysis for the need of expanding a curriculum. The essay has gone further to describe various learner characteristics, identified to necessitate expanding the curriculum. In addition, the essay has also discussed objectives of expanding the curriculum, which is based on consideration of cognitive objectives, behavioral objectives, and the affective domain objectives.

References

Dent, W., & McChesney, J. (2016). The changing landscape of one primary school’s mathematics curriculum. Teachers And Curriculum, 16(2). http://dx.doi.org/10.15663/tandc.v16i2.141

Huang, S. (2012). The integration of ‘critical’ and ‘literacy’ education in the EFL curriculum: expanding the possibilities of critical writing practices. Language, Culture, And Curriculum, 25(3), 283-298. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07908318.2012.723715

Sayer, P. (2015). Expanding global language education in public primary schools: the national English program in Mexico. Language, Culture, And Curriculum, 28(3), 257-275. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07908318.2015.1102926

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Communication Boundary Analysis Assignment

Communication Boundary Analysis

Order Instructions:

Compose an analysis paper examining a selected “boundary” or difference which has potential to impact organizational effectiveness. The analysis should demonstrate (a) cultural intelligence of the differences between those on either side of the boundary and (b) what strategies for effective leadership communication can be applied to improve organizational effectiveness. The paper should culminate in a plan for effective communication. Be sure to consider virtual and new media as part of the plan. The paper should be 6-7 pages in length, double-spaced, include a title page, and conform to APA style and formatting.

SAMPLE ANSWER

Communication Boundary Analysis

In today’s global economy the workplace has experienced a marked transformation where employees from different cultures come to work together. Firms have created international, multinational and global firms and this has contributed to the increased awareness of working in multi-cultural environments. Joint ventures, mergers and strategic alliances formed have led to the transformation of the organization as a melting point of different cultures which need to be cohesively managed so as to maximize the leverage each culture brings to the workplace. The differences in cultures lead to conflicts at times which may affect the effectiveness of the organization. Managers are expected to have the relevant skills to identify and effectively manage such differences.

One major area that portends the danger of negatively affecting the workplace is the presentation approach when meeting potential investors. The differences may arise depending on who is making the presentation from their cultural background. The presenter, who is tasked with the presentation in front of investors in a boardroom, may greatly affect the outcome of the presentation from their cultural perspective. If the presentation fails to secure the interest of the prospective investors, all the effort of the team involved will be affected and future assignments may suffer and this ultimately may lead to friction between a team leader and the team they are leading.

The difference in cultural background affects the way a team leader may behave in their presentation and their overall leadership style. In a workplace that is multi-cultured with different cultural clusters, there will be a pattern that can be identified in regards to cultural identities and behavior. Each individual is seen as a simultaneous carrier of several cultural identities which will impact on the behavior at the leadership level. The background of the differences in behavior can be identified from the research study done by Hofstede who studied the different behavior patterns of leaders from culture clusters across the globe.

The Hofstede Dimensions postulate some criteria that delineate the cultural intelligence differences between different culture clusters (Mooij, 2014). Hofstede postulates that one of the criteria used is what he terms as Power Distance (PD) which is the degree to which less powerful members of a society accepts the hierarchical distribution of power in an organization. The study showed that cultures from Germanic, Nordic and Anglo Europe scored lowly when compared to other clusters due to their lack of endorsement of the PD postulation. Participative leadership in team will be low when the team leader is from the above clusters and higher from other clusters such as Middle East, East Europe, Asia and Africa.

The other postulation of Hofstede is the Uncertainty Avoidance (UA) which postulates that societies have established beliefs, norms, rituals and procedures that help them to avoid uncertainty. This is more so in situations that create ambiguity and the rituals are used to minimize the impact of such a situation. High UA countries such as Anglo, Nordic and Western Europe leaders tend to be more controlling, less approachable and less delegating. Low UA leaders are the opposite and are open to improvisation

For purposes of application, a theoretical model will be used. A team may have a team leader (cultural background from India) with group members from cultural backgrounds of China (one person), Africa (one person) and Western Europe (two people). An assignment that was undertaken by a group for presentation will involve a group that is culturally diversified. When the assignment is complete, the team leader has the responsibility of choosing who will present to the investors. The team leader may be feeling that since the investors are mostly Anglo European, the team members from Western Europe would be a better choice to present. This would be from their cultural identity behavior shown by Hofstede of accepting their inferior position of power which may lead to the other team members (Chinese, African) feeling disenfranchised. This will lead to a chasm in the team.

The chasm may lead to the team leader behaving according to the postulations of Thomas-Kilmann which are competing, collaborating, compromising, avoidance and accommodating in order to deal with the differences (Novais & Carneiro, 2016). The leader whose cultural cluster background is from Asia (India) may resort to either the compromising style of conflict or the accommodating style of conflict resolution. The compromising style seeks the middle ground out of the moderate concerns for both the individual and others. The accommodating style of conflict resolution results from a low concern for oneself and a high concern for others.

The person chosen may exhibit traits that are influenced by their cultural background. The Indian, Chinese and Africans may posit a trait of Personalism as contrasted to Impersonalism of the Western European team members. The connecting with people by building relationships in any transaction is important for societies that are from the non-Western world, while the Western approach is detached and almost aloof with little or no connection. The presenter will project their cultural values inherently and the success or failure will be judged from their cultural background.

Strategy for effective communication

The management of organizations can take different approaches to effectively communicate in the work environment that is cross-cultural. One approach that can be used is to implement a Holistic framework of communication across the organization. The holistic framework is underpinned by three unique features: 1. Relationships are prescriptive and relations pre-empt individual choices. 2. Relations are whole-oriented with members of the team expected to make individual sacrifices for the good of the collective. 3. Relations are complimentary with team members working to complement individual tasks to achieve the common goal. The holistic approach is applied in two elements of mission and transparency.

Mission

The leadership has to prioritize on the question of what needs to be accomplished and to ensure that it is clearly spelt out and understood across the organization. The leader may have to ask the subordinates who are from multi-cultural backgrounds questions on guidance and their input concerning the mission that is being accomplished. The organization and the leader may consider the use of a “brief-back” methodology of communication where the team members can give feedback or synopsis of the information they have received. The originator of the message can then make a determination as to whether the message was properly understood or needs clarification.

Transparency

Information needs to be disseminated transparently across an organization and withholding information for personal power use should not be tolerated across an organization. Since information is very critical for the smooth communication of different components of an organization, sharing of information should be cultivated as a culture so as to make the organization to thrive. Junior employees cannot mature information that is relevant to them scaling up the corporate ladder is concealed for personal power. Transparency helps to establish trust. The use of AAR (after-action reports) for each assignment should be distributed across the organizations to show the lessons learned and the failings to avoid in the future.

Plan for effective communication

The plan for effective communication will involve the following:

Identification of Purpose for communication: The purpose would be to educate the employees on cross-cultural competence and conflict management in the cases where such conflicts arise.
Identification of audience: The target audience for the communication is all cadres of the organization from the top to the bottom.
The message: The message should factor in the content, language, mood and design in disseminating the information intended. The content should be structured to fit the cultural-context of the different cultures and should not be offensive to any culture. The language should be simple as language barrier can effectively make meaningless the whole process. The mood should be neutral as much as possible so as not to make the target feel guilty, fearful or apprehensive.
Channels of communication: The medium to be used can be varied and may make use of the following: newsletter printed and circulated internally, use of Facebook and twitter as new media to communicate, use of company blog to pass on the message. The use of new and virtual media is encouraged as it gives room for feedback according to the number of hits on the server or the number of like/dislike on a message posted. The use of the new media can also be used for a longer period as a conversation continuum with updates from the management and the employees with each side giving their input.

The possibility of differences occurring in an organization is normal and the response taken by the leadership will important to set the precedent and “case law” to follow in the future. The occurrence of differences is influenced by the cultural differences and backgrounds of each employee. The behavior pattern will be following inherently the cultural identity behavior of their cultural cluster. Effective leadership communication needs to be holistic in the approach in order to be able to deal with organizational differences. The effective communication will involve a clear understanding of the organizational mission for all concerned and the transparency in communicating across the organization. The use of modern media such as Facebook in an organization is important as it gives room for the conversation to give feedback from both sides of the narrative. The effective use of communication and the channels available is the key to resolving cross-cultural differences within an organization.

References

In Novais, P., & In Carneiro, D. (2016). Interdisciplinary perspectives on contemporary conflict resolution. Hershey: Information Science Reference.

Mooij, M. K. (2014). Human and mediated communication around the world: A comprehensive review and analysis. Cham: Springer.

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SPSS Summary Statistics Assignment Help

SPSS Summary Statistics

Order Instructions:

Kindly review the attached

SAMPLE ANSWER

Module 5 Application Assignment Worksheet

SPSS Summary Statistics

Instructions

For this assignment, you create and compute summary statistics for a dataset provided as a Microsoft Excel file. Import the data into SPSS and then calculate the summary statistics, including the mean, median, mode, range, range, and the standard deviation as instructed below. Note: If you correctly saved the data file from Module 4 assignment, 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 summary statistics output at the end of this document.

Submit this Application Assignment by Day 7 of Week 9.

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 six months while the control group (group 2) is given a placebo. After the six months, CHOL, HDL and GLYHB are again measured.

The post-test data for each participant are provided in the data set “Module 4, 5, and 6 applic assign data_Cholesterol etc” and can be found in the module 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 pre-test to post-test

HDL High density lipoprotein at post-test

GLYHB Glycosylated hemoglobin at post-test

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

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: Run descriptive/summary statistics (mean, median, mode, standard deviation, and range) for both groups 1 and 2 (medication and placebo), combined for each of the following: AGE, CHNG_CHOL,HDL, and GLYHB (be sure to save your output)

Step 3: Separate the data file by group

Step 4: Run descriptive/summary statistics for each group separately for each of the following: AGE, CHNG_CHOL,HDL, and GLYHB (be sure to save your output)

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

QUESTION	type answers below
For groups 1 and 2 (medication and placebo) combined:
1. What is the mean for AGE?		_____37.18___________
2. What is the median for AGE?		______37.50__________
3. What is the standard deviation for AGE?		_12.262_______________
4. What is the mean for CHANGE_CHOL?		-3.05________________
5. What is the median for CHANGE_CHOL?		-2.0________________
6. What is the standard deviation for CHANGE_CHOL?		_4.006_______________
7. What is the mean for HDL?		__45.08______________
8. What is the median for HDL?		___45_____________
9. What is the standard deviation for HDL?		____8.66____________
10. What is the mean for GLYHB?		____4.96____________
11. What is the median for GLYHB?		___4.79_____________
12. What is the standard deviation GLYHB?		____0.88____________
For group 1 (medication) only:
13. What is the mean for CHANGE_CHOL?		___- 5.65_____________
14. What is the median for CHANGE_CHOL?		_- 5.00_______________
15. What is the standard deviation for CHANGE_CHOL?		____4.095____________
16. What is the range for CHANGE_CHOL?		____17____________
For group 2 (placebo) only:
17. What is the mean for CHANGE_CHOL?		______- 45__________
18. What is the median for CHANGE_CHOL?		____________- 50____
19. What is the standard deviation for CHANGE_CHOL?		__________1.395______
20. What is the range for CHANGE_CHOL?		_____________5___

Step 6: Paste all required SPSS output below.

Data output for combined group 1 & 2

Descriptive Statistics
	N	Minimum	Maximum	Mean	Std. Deviation
AGE	40	17	65	37.18	12.262
SEX	40	1	2	1.50	.506
CHNG_CHOL	40	-16	2	-3.05	4.006
GLYHB	40	3.41	7.72	4.9665	.87109
HDL	40	28	69	45.08	8.666
Valid N (listwise)	40

Data output for CHNG_CHOL by GROUP Case Processing Summary
	Cases
	Included		Excluded		Total
	N	Percent	N	Percent	N	Percent
CHNG_CHOL * GROUP	40	100.0%	0	0.0%	40	100.0%

Report
CHNG_CHOL
GROUP	N	Mean	Median	Std. Deviation	Range
Experimental	20	-5.65	-5.00	4.095	17
Control	20	-.45	-.50	1.395	5
Total	40	-3.05	-2.00	4.006	18

Data output for all variables in Control and Experimental group separately

Case Processing Summary
		Cases
		Included				Excluded				Total
		N		Percent		N		Percent		N		Percent
AGE * GROUP		40		100.0%		0		0.0%		40		100.0%
SEX * GROUP		40		100.0%		0		0.0%		40		100.0%
CHNG_CHOL * GROUP		40		100.0%		0		0.0%		40		100.0%
HDL * GROUP		40		100.0%		0		0.0%		40		100.0%
GLYHB * GROUP		40		100.0%		0		0.0%		40		100.0%
Report
GROUP			AGE		SEX		CHNG_CHOL		HDL		GLYHB
Experimental	N		20		20		20		20		20
	Mean		41.45		1.50		-5.65		50.15		4.4085
	Median		43.00		1.50		-5.00		50.00		4.4950
	Std. Deviation		12.630		.513		4.095		7.300		.36357
Control	N		20		20		20		20		20
	Mean		32.90		1.50		-.45		40.00		5.5245
	Median		33.50		1.50		-.50		40.00		5.2000
	Std. Deviation		10.518		.513		1.395		6.829		.87742
Total	N		40		40		40		40		40
	Mean		37.18		1.50		-3.05		45.08		4.9665
	Median		37.50		1.50		-2.00		45.00		4.7900
	Std. Deviation		12.262		.506		4.006		8.666		.87109

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Ethical standards in allocation of healthcare resources

Ethical standards in allocation of healthcare resources among the elderly population and end of life care

Order Instructions:

This is a discussion post, I will send three articles that pertains to this paper. Thanks

SAMPLE ANSWER

Ethical standards in allocation of healthcare resources among the elderly population and end of life care

The number of elderly people (65 years) is expected to double to 80 million over the next 30 years. The share of the elderly population will increase 13% – 20% in 2030. This implies that soon, there will be a higher ratio of elderly people as compared children. The population aging is a huge force with political, economic and social implications to the society (Hayutin, Dietz, & Mitchell, 2010). For instance, the rapid increase of cost of healthcare in the past years has created ethical discussion on allocation of resources. The main ethical issue on allocation of resources among the elderly is not entirely based on the quantity of treatment provided, but rather establishing protocols that seek optimum care based on the patient needs (Milstead, 2016).The organization decision making model of healthcare resources among the elderly population and end of life care should be determined by the following ethical standards namely; a) need, b) right, c) merit and d) priority (Craig, 2010, p. 29).

The ethical standard of right highlights the fact that every person is entitled to equal access and consideration of care. As described by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence (1776), equality in health care is inherent and inalienable. Therefore, every individual should be given equal opportunity so that they can access quality and safe care without regard to an individual’s capacity or ability to pay. The ethical standard of merit indicates providing care to people based on their needs and fitness. This involves assessing individual cognitive function, degree of illness progression, legal status among others. This ethical framework guides use of the limited resource to yield the most successful outcome (Craig, 2010, p. 29).

The ethical framework of need is based on evaluation of patient’s health status. In this context, an elderly patient who needs cosmetic surgery to repair scaring caused by burn have greater need as compared to another patient’s needs for the same healthcare procedure for rhinoplasty. In this context, the most sever painful conditions should receive preferential treatment during resource allocation (Pavlish et al., 2011). The ethical framework of priority is important especially when ranking patient’s group. In current settings, there lacks effective framework on priority of care, which makes the healthcare providers to use their own discretion to determine who receives care; in most cases, the wealthy receive care before the poor deserving patients. In an ethical resource allocation framework, the priority is always the needy patient, so the monetary gains of an organization must not outweigh the patient’s outcome (Craig, 2010, p.29).

Ethical implications of resource allocations

The shift towards high population rate of the older population has enormous economic, social and political implication to the society. This is because as people live longer, there will be many people above 65 years as compared to children. It is estimated that by 2032, 1 in 5 Americans will be above 65 years. This indicates that there will be fewer potential workers per every retiree, and the financial as well as social cost of the aging population will increase. This indicates that the fiscal burden on tax payers will skyrocket (Hayutin, Dietz, & Mitchell, 2010).

The shift towards population will also challenge resource allocation. Suburbs and traditional nuclear families will increasingly become single and will comprise mainly of the older couples. Diversity will increase among the older people where 60% of the older population will be from minorities. The cost of healthcare is likely to be propelled by increase in technological advancement. Therefore, it is likely that the current healthcare spending might crowd-out spending for other healthcare needs across the country. If no interventions are put in place, the current deficits will leave a high interest for principal payments for future generations (Hayutin, Dietz, & Mitchell, 2010).

Evidently, these unprecedented demographic development calls for an urgent and strategic action. This calls for a deeper understanding so as to effectively deal with the new realities of life. This discussion demonstrates that is appropriate measures are put in place; the high cost of care could be reduced and could free up some resources to reduce public deficits in the future (Crippen & Barnato, 2011, p. 126).

References

Craig, H. D. (2010). Caring enough to provide healthcare: An organizational framework for the ethical delivery of healthcare among aging patients. International Journal for Human Caring, 14(4), 27–30.

Crippen, D., & Barnato, A. E. (2011). The ethical implications of health spending: Death and other expensive conditions. Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 39(2), 121–129. doi:10.1111/j.1748-720X.2011.00582.x\

Hayutin, A. M., Dietz, M., & Mitchell, L. (2010). New realities of an older America. Retrieved from http://longevity3.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/New-Realities-of-an-Older-America.pdf

Milstead, J. A. (2016). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (5th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Pavlish, C., Brown-Saltzman, K., Hersh, M., Shirk, M., & Rounkle, A. (2011). Nursing priorities, actions, and regrets for ethical situations in clinical practice. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 43(4), 385–395. doi:10.1111/j.1547-5069.2011.01422.x

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Nursing Legal and Ethical Conduct

Order Instructions:

This is a discussion post. There is a video that pertains to this paper. I will record it and send it through an e -mail. We also have to include a nurse practice act from the state we live. I live in Texas. Thank you. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call at 973-842-5512.

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Nursing Legal and Ethical Conduct

The American Nurses Association (ANA) through its code of ethics recognizes the need for patient confidentiality by the nurses. It insists in the nurse’s responsibility for maintaining the confidentiality of all the information about the patient regardless of it being personal or clinical. The information should be kept a secret in the work setting or any other form of digital communications like the social media (Olson, 2016). Confidentiality and privacy form the basic components of human rights in our society. Safeguarding this right with concerns on the individual’s personal information on health records is not only an ethical but also a legal obligation required out of the health care providers. Doing so in today’s generation, however, is very tricky. Considering the scenario of Lena, she is faced with two critical decisions that are hard to make. After finding out that her sister’s boyfriend is HIV positive, her considerations would be two: 1. Go against the Health Insurance Portability and Insurance Act (HIPPA) that insists on patient confidentiality and save her sister from the situation through disclosing the information to her or uphold the patient confidentiality and avoid disclosing the information to her sister. Personally, the latter will take precedence (McGraw, 2013).

Upholding patient confidentiality is a sacred trust accorded to every nurse and thus taking a hard decision like the one above is mandatory. As clearly presented in the ANA’s Code of Ethics, the nurse should strive to advocate an environment that gives enough physical privacy to the patient needs as well as the auditory privacy. The maintenance of the patient confidentiality goes a long way in impacting the patients’ recovery as well as his/ her perspective towards the medical complication. The connection and the relationship that will exist between a nurse and a client will surely be dictated by whether the nurse upholds the privacy of the patient or not. According to the ANA code of ethics, the nurse is given a role in advocating, promoting and strive to protect the rights of the patient regardless of the situation at hand (Lachman, 2015).

According to the College of Registered Nurses in Colombia, the nurses are provided with an ethical obligation to safeguard the information that they receive in the context of the client-nurse relationship. This is because the clients disclose such information with confidence that it will not fall into the hands of wrong people. The possibility of a patient coming back for further consultations with regard to a new or previous complication is dictated by the nurses’ ability to keep the previous conversation a secret. The nurses are required to store the patient’s records in secure places taking great care when the information is being moved to various places; it also requires that the during electronic transfer of information, secure measures should be employed such as not using the client names or fax number (Bamford, 2013). Ensuring that the computer monitor displaying sensitive patient information is not left unattended to is also another security measure. In situations where a nurse is tempted to disclose information, then she must first find the consent of the patient with the best alternative being that the nurse encourages the patient to disclose the information alone. If I were Lena therefore, I would dedicate quality time to convincing my sister’s boyfriend to disclose the information about his HIV status in order to ensure that the life of my sister is safeguarded.

References

Bamford, M., Wong, C. A., & Laschinger, H. (2013). The influence of authentic leadership and areas of worklife on work engagement of registered nurses. Journal of nursing management, 21(3), 529-540.

Lachman, V. D., Swanson, E. O., & Winland-Brown, J. (2015). The new ‘Code of Ethics for Nurses With Interpretive Statements’(2015): practical clinical application, part II. MedSurg Nursing, 24(5), 363-368.

McGraw, D. (2013). Building public trust in uses of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act de-identified data. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 20(1), 29-34.

Olson, L. L., & Stokes, F. (2016). The ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses With Interpretive Statements: Resource for Nursing Regulation. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 7(2), 9-20.

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Health needs of veterans Essay Assignment

Health needs of veterans

Order Instructions:

This is a discussion post for my class in Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health. I will attach the two articles that we are to review for this paper. I will also include the syllabus. Thank you.

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Health needs of veterans

Nurses play a critical role in health centers by caring for the approximately 22 million veterans as well as the 3 million reserve members. This population is diverse as it entails frail, elderly veterans who have served in Iraq, Korea, and Afghanistan. Several veterans are returning home in need of healthcare services. One of the health needs that these veterans require is management of the physical wounds that they have acquired during war (Jackonis, Deyton & Hess, 2008). The also require mental care since most of them suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which makes some of them violent or even scared once they are exposed to similar scenarios they went through in the field. The veterans’ family members should also be accorded support majorly because when one of their loved ones has been called to serve, his/her family is affected. Moreover, family dynamics undergo significant changes from the time of deployment of the veteran and adapting once he is back home is quite difficult and stressful process for every family member.

How to advocate for veterans

One of the ways of advocating for veterans is by ensuring that they receive timely, compassionate, and appropriate care once they visit the health center. Moreover, I can advocate for these individuals by ensuring that they know and understand their rights as veterans. I will therefore remind them of these rights and even post them in the outpatient or inpatient areas where they visit frequently. For the homeless, I will endeavor to understand why they are homeless and then help them by forwarding their names to The Department of Veterans Affairs and ensure that they are given a permanent residence.

Advocating skills

While advocating for the veterans, I intend to make use of my communication skills. Begley, (2010) points out that communication is one of the important pillars in nursing practice. With communication, I will engage the veterans effectively and know what they are going through. I will also use these skills when approaching various stakeholders who will provide solutions to the veterans. I can develop the communication skills by ensuring that I use the right body language when talking to the veterans, I maintain eye contact during discussions, and I use the right tone and show compassion when talking to them.

Roles of a nurse as an advocate

As an advocate, a nurse is charged with the responsibility of protecting the patients’ rights (Albina, 2016). For instance, it is a nurse’s responsibility to find out what the patient needs when s/he is sick. The advocates also liaison with between the doctors and patients by helping the patient understand their diagnosis and ensure patient centered care is observed (Choi, 2015). Since patients have different choices and preferences, it is the role of a nurse advocate to suggest alternative treatments for the patient to ensure that he/she is satisfied.

References

Albina, J. K. (2016). Patient abuse in the health care setting: The nurse as patient advocate. AORN journal, 103(1), 73-81.

Begley, A. M. (2010). On being a good nurse: reflections on the past and preparing for the future. International journal of nursing practice, 16(6), 525-532.

Choi, P. P. (2015). Patient advocacy: the role of the nurse. Nursing Standard, 29(41), 52-58.

Jackonis, M. J., Deyton, L., & Hess, W. J. (2008). War, its aftermath, and US health policy: toward a comprehensive health program for America’s military personnel, veterans, and their families.

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