For this research study, the chosen topic scenario is the one about a company’s promotion policy in which a female employee of Latino ancestry named Maria has filed a complaint claiming that she was eliminated in an unfair fashion in consideration for a promotion owing to her distinctive accent. This proposal provides a discussion of the chosen topic scenario and the reason as to why the topic was chosen. A discussion of how the topic is important to the study of cultural diversity is also provided. Moreover, this proposal provides a description of what I expect to find and what I would be interested in learning. Lastly, a detailed description of how I plan to go about this research study is provided.
2.0 Why the selected topic was chosen
Discrimination is essentially a prejudicial treatment on a person owing to the group which this individual is a part of. Although several laws have been enacted in order to prevent discrimination at the place of work, a lot of individuals are still finding themselves discriminated each day (Wood, Braeken & Niven, 2013). The topic scenario was chosen primarily because I am interested in gaining a deeper understanding of workplace discrimination and how this issue can be prevented. I intend to alter the perception of people toward ethnicity, gender and race in order to help individuals avoid judgmental comments and/or actions that can compromise us as a member of the society. Getting rid of discrimination is of major importance owing to not only the negative consequences in job performance, but also the well being of the members of a group.
The chosen topic reflects what is happening today in many places of work. It depicts how discrimination still persists in corporate America notwithstanding the great efforts that have been made in the United States to end discrimination at the workplace, as well as the presence of The Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Gedeon (2013) noted that racial discrimination is a fact of life for minority employees and denial of access to opportunities for instance training keep on affecting the non-dominant groups thereby affecting their professional development and also psychological aspects. In the workplace, people encounter not just racial discrimination, but they also encounter discrimination basing on gender, age, religion, nationality, sexual orientation as well as ethnicity. It is of great importance to discuss about the discrimination that exists with non-dominant groups and how discrimination affects not just the employee, but also the employer. According to the International Labor Organization (2014), ethnic minority ladies usually encounter double discrimination within the place of work on account of their gender and their race. A lot of these minority women fail at the application stage just due to their names.
In the United States today, compared to Caucasians, Latinos and Blacks have a less chance of scoring job interviews and job offers. Ladies in the place of work are undervalued and receive less amount of salary compared to male staffs for the same work. Since minority ladies are at a double disadvantage, they are more watchful of discrimination compared to minority men. Consequently, more minority women are likely to view negative treatment as a product of discrimination (Gedeon, 2013).
3.0 Importance of the chosen topic to the study of cultural diversity
The chosen topic is important to the study of cultural diversity in that it will help me to gain an understanding on how embracing cultural diversity within the place of work can actually prevent discrimination. Amadeo (2010) pointed out that cultural diversity is basically when differences in sexual orientation, language, religion, ethnicity, nationality and race are represented in a community. A place of work is considered to be culturally diverse if the workers therein include people from dissimilar groups. Supporting cultural diversity in the place of work is important in the prevention of race-based discrimination. It is of note that addressing cultural diversity in every personnel education and development programs would substantially enhance the skills of the company in the area of cultural awareness. This will benefit the organization’s customers and clients who are from backgrounds that are both culturally and linguistically diverse. Equally important, it would contribute to a non-discriminatory place of work (Choi, Kleiner & Kleiner, 2011).
Embracing cultural diversity in the place of work and fostering an inclusive and fair workplace culture is positive for the company and its staffs. In addition, it is an effectual way of avoiding discrimination and illicit behavior in the place of work. Court cases are costly, and besides the immediate fiscal costs, lawsuits actually reduce the morale, well-being and productivity of workers. In addition, they create brand and reputational damage. Therefore, it is imperative that employees and employers are very much aware of the legal parameters as regards discrimination in the place of work (Stallworth, McPherson & Rute, 2001). Proactive strategies should be utilized in avoiding workplace discrimination.
4.0 Research Goals and Plans
4.1 What I will be interested in learning
What I am interested in learning during this research include the following. First is the prevalence of discrimination in the workplace. I am interested in learning about gender, race, age, sexual orientation and ethnic discrimination that occurs at the workplace; the prevalence of discrimination in terms of socio-demographic, cultural variables and other criteria; instances of workplace discrimination actions; and statistics that demonstrate high prevalence of discrimination in relation to gender, race, and ethnicity. Secondly, I am interested in learning about the various causes of workplace discrimination. I will seek to understand the different situations which could actually result in discrimination. Moreover, I am interested in learning the consequences of workplace discrimination, particularly how employees who face this kind of discrimination are affected emotionally. Finally yet importantly, I am interested to learn about the solutions to workplace discrimination and how this issue can be prevented by not only staff members, but also employers.
4.2 What I expect to find
I am expecting to find that there are several causes of workplace discrimination in the place of work. Some of them include the following: being ignorant of the law; economic factors; failure to recognize personal conflict; inadequately trained employees; lack of professionalism and ethical behavior; sex specific inequalities; and prejudice. As regards the consequences of workplace discrimination, I expect to find that this type of discrimination actually impacts on the job satisfaction and well-being of workers; has an impact on the organization’s overall productivity and financial bottom line; and has an impact on the employer as well. It is of note that discrimination at the place of work could destroy the morale of workers and it has to be addressed owing to the negative impact that it has on minority groups (Stallworth, McPherson & Rute, 2001). Regarding the solutions to workplace discrimination, what I expect to find is that this issue could be prevented in a business organization by establishing a more supportive workplace environment. It can also be prevented through policy interventions surrounding conflict and equality, as well as employees’ well-being. I also to expect to find that employers can prevent workplace discrimination in their organizations simply by developing and maintaining workplace culture that does not tolerate discriminatory practices in the organization.
5.0 How the research would be conducted
5.1 Research Method: Mixed Research
This will be a mixed research in which quantitative and qualitative research techniques will both be used. It is of note that the main goal of mixed research techniques is basically to tackle a particular research question from any pertinent angle. A mixed research method is a technique for carrying out research where the investigator collects, analyzes and integrates qualitative research such as interviews, and quantitative research such as questionnaires (Spratt, 2009). Mixed research method will be used in this research since it will allow me to obtain a contextualized and in-depth insight regarding workplace discrimination, whilst counterbalancing the shortcomings inherent to the use of each methodology by itself.
5.2 Data Collection
Secondary Data: Secondary data is essentially data gathered by a different person for some purpose, and is being utilized by the researcher for a different purpose (Sindhu, 2012). For this research study, secondary data will be obtained from scholarly peer-reviewed journals, websites, government publications and government records, magazines as well as books on the subject matter, which is workplace discrimination. Primary Data: this is the data gathered through the use of experiments, interviews, questionnaires and observations. It is the data which the researcher gathers by herself/himself for a given purpose (Sindhu, 2012). For this research, primary data would be collected through the use of qualitative interviews and quantitative questionnaires. The interview will be largely unstructured and will contained open-ended questions. Conversely, the questionnaire would be structured and it will comprise closed-ended questions.
5.3 Sampling of Participants
A total of 67 subjects will take part in this research, hence the sample size is 67. Participants would be selected through purposive simple random sampling. This sample selection method is one in which every person in the population has equal chance of being picked to participate in the research. The subjects would be managers and staff members in several companies. Some will be presented with the questionnaires to fill out while others would be interviewed in order to get an in depth insight of the subject matter. In data analysis, qualitative data would be analyzed by organizing the collected data into themes. Quantitative data would be analyzed through the use of tables and graphs for easy interpretation of the findings.
6.0 Conclusion
In conclusion, the chosen topic scenario that would be investigated in this research project is the second scenario in which a female Latino employee claims to have been discriminated upon due to her distinctive accent. This topic scenario was chosen because it will help me to gain a deeper understanding of discrimination in the workplace and the solution to it. Workplace discrimination is major issue that many employees face everyday in their places of work, and is primarily faced by people of color. My goal and opinions are projected to change an individual’s perception towards race, gender, and ethnicity and hopefully this will help us not only at work but also as individuals to avoid judgmental comments or actions that can compromise us as a member of this society. Eradicating discrimination is significant because of the negative consequences in job performance, but more importantly, the well-being of the people who are from a given group. The source of discrimination must be tackled directly to ensure that discrimination does not occur.
7.0 References
Choi, V., Kleiner, K., & Kleiner, B. (2011). New Developments Concerning Age Discrimination In The Workplace.Franklin Business & Law Journal, (1), 63-71.
Sindhu, A. (2012). Research Methodology. Boca Raton, FL: Springer Publishers.
Spratt, C. (2009). Mixed Research Methods. Cleveland, OH: CRC Press.
Stallworth, L. E., McPherson, T., & Rute, L. (2001). Discrimination in the Workplace: How Mediation Can Help. Dispute Resolution Journal, 56(1), 35-87.
Wood, S., Braeken, J., & Niven, K. (2013). Discrimination and Well-Being in Organizations: Testing the Differential Power and Organizational Justice Theories of Workplace Aggression. Journal Of Business Ethics, 115(3), 617.doi:10.1007/s10551-012-1404-5
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In a reflection of 450-600 words, explain how you see yourself fitting into the following IOM Future of Nursing recommendations:
Recommendation 4: Increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to 80% by 2020.
Recommendation 5: Double the number of nurses with a doctorate by 2020.
Recommendation 6: Ensure that nurses engage in lifelong learning.
Identify your options in the job market based on your educational level.
How will increasing your level of education affect how you compete in the current job market?
How will increasing your level of education affect your role in the future of nursing?
While APA format is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected and in-text citations and references should be presented using APA documentation guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin. Refer to the directions in the Student Success Center. Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin.
SAMPLE ANSWER
Nursing Reflection Paper
Nursing is one of the fields that experience continuous changes as new strains of disease crop up as well as development of new technologies. Nurses, therefore, have the obligation to remain steadfast by equipping themselves with more skills and knowledge to render high quality healthcare. To manage the changes, Institute of Medicine (IOM) has been in the forefront in formulating appropriate strategies as well as recommendations (Institute of Medicine, 2013). In this reflection paper, the author expounds on the personal strategies to meet the IOM recommendations, and also deliberates on job markets based on different educational qualifications.
In line with the IOM recommendations, nurses will render quality healthcare to their patients. IOM has recommended increase in the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to 80% by 2020, double the number of nurses with a doctorate degree by 2020, and ensure that nurses engage in lifelong learning (Initiative on the Future of Nursing, 2014). I am optimistic that the recommendations are essential and by 2020, I will be well equipped and ready to execute the duties as a nurse.
As per now, I already have acquired a baccalaureate degree and I am on the process of enrolling for a doctorate degree. Increase in the number of nurses with a baccalaureate degree is a good start and an indication of the commitment of the institute and the government to equip nurses with more skills. This increase is an indication of commitment to render quality healthcare services. Increasing the number of nurses with doctorate degree by 2020 is a positive initiative to the healthcare too. I do believe that I will be among the nurses with doctorate degrees to help impact positively on the society. I do hold the view that nurses need to engage in lifelong learning. This is the only avenue that will make them knowledgeable and competent to deal with the ever-changing issues in health care. Even as a student and an employee for a number of years, I have always welcomed new ideas and concepts. I have gained more skills working and sharing with other people on health issues. I have attended committees and seminars on health care, which have helped to expand my scope of thinking and knowledge. Furthermore, through exchange programs, I have as well gained more skills and experience. I also embrace research and for many years, I have participated in various researches and will continue to carry out more to gain more insights on diseases and on healthcare as a whole. I, therefore, welcome the recommendations. They are not a surprise to me because they rhyme with my vision and objectives.
Acquiring more skills has become essential as the demand of competent nurses increase. Having higher education level, it means that one will have many chances to work in different job levels. In line with my educational qualification, I can work as a registered nurse in any healthcare setting. Increasing my level of education will allow me to have an upper hand in the current job markets. Having the skills or expertise required in the market will definitely make me valuable, as every employer will be in need of such skills as mine.
My role in future as a nurse with increased level of education will impact on my nursing roles extensively. The nursing field keeps on changing, hence, gaining more skills and knowledge gives me an opportunity to manage various health problems in nursing (Muehlbauer, 2012). Technology is very essential in healthcare and with high skill, rendering quality care is guaranteed (Institute of Medicine, 2013).
I am well equipped and my vision rhymes with IOM recommendations. My desire is to see every citizen receives quality healthcare regardless of demographic factors. I am still learning and believe that as I do acquire more skills, I will impact positively on the heath of the members of society. I do believe that nothing is impossible with passion and dedication.
How mission,vision,values and culture of the organisational influence employee relations
Order Instructions:
• Describe how the mission, vision, values, and culture of the organization influence employee relations (the organization that I have used has been Houston Methodist – website https://www.houstonmethodist.org).
• Analyze human resources practices that promote positive employee relations and legal compliance.
• Describe how you will apply the human resources practices you selected.
• Describe how these practices will promote human resources as a strategic employee relations partner versus the enforcer.
• Include a reference page, and format your references using APA (6th edition) guidelines.
• The paper should be 6 pages long.
SAMPLE ANSWER
Employee Relations
The mission, vision, values and organizational culture of any organization have three critical roles. These roles are communicating the organization’s purpose to all the stakeholders, informing the developmental strategy for the organization, the development of measurable goals and objectives for ensuring the success of the organization’s strategy, and promoting positive interactions and conduct of the organization’s employees within and outside the organization (Tyson, 2012). These, therefore, influence the way employees and other stakeholders interact for the success of the organization.
Houston Methodist is a faith based Christian institution and, therefore, its mission; vision, values, and organization’s culture are based on Christian values. Therefore, employees interact with each other in a humane manner and treat each other with integrity, compassion, and respect as per the organization’s values. The employees perceive each other as equals and treat each other as having a sacred worth and value as they are all created by God.
Practices Promoting Positive Employee Relations and Legal Compliance
For any organization, Human Resource is among the most vital assets and a source for achieving competitive advantage. Management of human resources is challenging in comparison to the management of technology or capital. Therefore, effective management of any organization requires and effective Human Resource Management (HRM) system (Tiwari & Saxena, 2012). A good HRM system should have sound HRM practices. These are the organizational activities that are directed towards the management of the pool of human resources and ensuring such resources are employed to fulfill the goals of the organization (Tiwari & Saxena, 2012).
Researchers on HRM best practices have identified different practices using different names. These are for example, “best practice”, “high-performance”, “formal”, “sophisticated”, or “professional. However, per Pfeffer (1998), the most appropriate term to be used is “Best HRM Practices.” Best practices theories and theorists suggest that certain practices separately or in combination are universally associated with positive employee relationships, employees’ legal compliance, and improved organizational performance. Per Redman & Matthews (1998) these practices include careful recruitment and selection practices, team work and development of a job design that is flexible such as the encouraging cohesiveness, employee appraisal and training and learning including (Tiwari & Saxena, 2012).
Application of the Human Resources Practices
As indicated above, HRM is a planned approach used for managing people effectively to promote organizational performance. The aim is to establish a management style that is open, flexible and caring. This is with the aim of ensuring staff motivation, development and management in a manner that ensures they provide their support to the organization’s mission. Good HRM practices are essential in promoting the achievement of the organization’s objectives. However, they are also key in ensuring positive relationships between employees and legal compliance.
To promote these two aspects that are positive employee relationships and legal compliance I will ensure the recruitment and selection approaches used by the company are strict and places great emphasis on the people skills of the individual. Apart from the professional tests and activities, I will provide tests and activities during recruitment and selection to determine the social skills of the individuals and only those individuals that achieve a certain level of competency will be selected. On the other hand, to ensure legal compliance, I will review all the certificates and any testimonials provided by the client for their validity. In addition, I will ensure that the selection and recruitment process is in line with the legal requirements of the industry and the country.
Moreover, to promote employee relationships I will ensure teamwork and development of a job design that is flexible as a best practice in the following ways. First I will ensure that the lines of communication are open and clear among all the employees. I will also indicate that criticisms should be expected and appreciated and that in case of a conflict I will set up a conflict resolution team from within the employees to come up with an amicable solution. Second, I will ensure clarity by ensuring each employee understands his/her roles in the organization. Finally, I will develop job designs that are flexible and where different employees can a certain task to ensure development of trust in each other’s abilities and promote cohesiveness.
In regards to training and development, legal compliance will be attained by ensuring that the employees are provided with continuous training that will be statutory. This will be geared towards ensuring the organization complies with the regulations of the statutory body governing it and ensure employees are qualified according to the law. In addition, I will ensure all the employees undergo compliance training as per the organization’s policy requirements. This will ensure that the employees are conversant with all the company policies that will ensure that all the policies and laws are followed, and the organization meets its internal and external standards including those that arise from legislation. In addition, refresher training will also be provided in situations of need and especially for employees who have worked for the organization for a long period and also provide local level statutory or compliance training that are specific to a certain area of the organization. I will also provide diversity and inclusion training programs that will improve the organization’s culture and promote positive relationships. I will also develop and ensure the constant updating of an employee handbook which will contain all the organization’s legally mandated policies and the practices expected in the organization.
Finally, in regards to employee appraisal I will develop employee appraisal tools that will gauge provide feedback on the interpersonal skills of the individual. The tool will include items that will provide feedback on the people skills of different employees and identify the areas of weakness the employee then training will be provided to improve on the areas hence promote overall employee relations within the company.
Promoting HR as a Strategic Employee Relations Partner vs. the Enforcer
In the last 15 years, organizations have adopted the concept of Business Partner and have done experiments on various Business Partner roles with simultaneous strategies and structures to handle all the functions of the HR. The main goal has been to manage all the tactical areas of HR that include administrative such as legal defense and compliance, employee relations such as policies, and daily operational management tasks relation to employment, benefits, and payroll. The idea here is that the effective management of these roles provides enough time and resources for the Business Partner to handle issues regarding human capital (human resources) that strategically impact the business (Rothwell & Budscooter, 2012).
Human Resource Management understands and supports how employees do their work. Another equally important role is understanding the environment where such work is done and its contribution to the success of the business. These roles are inter-related and interdependent. The HR has four basic roles that are compliance and enforcement (enforcer), management advocacy, strategic partner, and employee advocacy (Singh & Kumar, 2011). Employee relations is the relationship between the employer and or the representative manager and the employees that is aimed at building and maintaining commitment, morale and trust in order to create a productive and secure environment for working (Singh & Kumar, 2011).
Critical to the functioning of the HR as a strategic partner is its role in the strategic process. Therefore, as a partner it must take its role in formulation and implementation of strategies that promote positive employee relationships. The HR has taken the strategic role of managing initiatives of change via communication and workshops that build organization culture and development of relationships is today considered as the means of culture development (Fulmer & Genson, 2006). Therefore, through recruitment and training the HR will select and recruit employees with the relevant values, abilities, and talents that will promote employee relations. Using the training programs the HR can instill the relevant values and develop the relevant abilities within the existing employees to grow and develop their interpersonal skills (Singh & Kumar, 2011). The performance appraisal will define the management expectations and standards that will enable employees to strategize and plan on how to achieve the employee’s expectations. Moreover, through teamwork and an open job design open communication channels will be opened and systems that ensure the information requirements of employees are met (Singh & Kumar, 2011).
As an enforcer, on the other hand, the Human Resource practitioners agree that the role as a compliance enforcer is well established and understood. It is tremendously difficult to keep track of all the local and federal laws and to translate these into policies and practices. However, this is required to ensure that all the regulators do not interfere with the business’s operations (Clardy, 2014). In addition, there is the need to ensure that complaints and conflicts that arise from employees such as harassment, discrimination, and wrongful discharge are mitigated. These are all roles left for the Human Resource. In addition, the enforcement and development of internal or corporate policies as part of risk management is the role of the HR. The organization is required to uniformly dispense policies, practices and procedures a role that falls within the Human Resource department (Clardy, 2014).
The laws and regulations create a legal context where the HRM can be held liable by employees and other public regulatory bodies. Therefore, employers that violate these laws and regulations can be deemed guilty of violating the protections of the employees. Hence it is vital that the HR becomes aware of such laws and regulations and ensure compliance (Clardy, 2014). Therefore, the HR through the recruitment and selection procedures can ensure selection of individuals that are qualified to perform the tasks and certified according to the governing laws and regulations. Education and training can be provided to the employees on the company policies and other laws governing the organization to ensure compliance. Finally, the appraisals can provide vital information on the areas of need and that require improvement in order to mitigate risk and ensure compliance.
References
Clardy, A. B. (2014). Managing Human Resources: Exercises, Experiments, and Applications. New York, NY, United States of America: Psychology Press.
Fulmer, R., & Genson, S. (2006). HR’s Strategic Partnership with Line Management. Graziadio Business Review, 9 (2).
Rothwell, & Budscooter (Eds.). (2012). The Encyclopedia of Human Resource Management, Volume III: Critical and Emerging Issues in Human Resource Management. San Francisco: United States of America: Pfieffer/Jossey-Bass.
Singh, P. N., & Kumar, N. (2011). Employee Relations Management. New Delhi, India: Pearson Education India.
Tiwari, P., & Saxena, K. (2012). Human Resource Managenment Practices: A Comprehensive Review. Pakistan Business Review, 699-705.
Tyson, S. (2012). Essentials of Human Resource Management. Burlington, MA: Routledge.
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For this paper you will look through the resources section, then choose an article that you feel comfortable with read it and then respond to the two main questions , but you should not just limit to the two main questions asked , you show also show your understanding of the topic by elaborating on the two responses. Pay attention to proper grammar and also the use of 3rd person in this paper.
Trends in MIS
With the pace of technological innovation rapidly accelerating, thousands of potential new technologies are waiting to be developed. Organizations must be able to discern which of these are likely to flourish and have the greatest impact on their market space.
For this paper, you will read one article listed on the Resources below related to a topic that interests you, then research that topic further on your own and online. Based upon your research, answer the following questions:
• Identify several major trends in IT. What are the impacts of these trends on the organization and the consumer?
• Which emerging technology did you choose to investigate? In what ways do you expect this technology to alter or enhance business strategy and organization? Which types of businesses or commerce might it impact?
Resources to be use for the paper.
Articles
The following articles discuss various information technology applications and trends. For this week’s Discussion, you will choose the one topic that interests you most and read the article cited here that relates to that topic. See the Discussion area for further instructions.
Radio Frequency Identification
• Symonds, J. A., & Parry, D. (2008). Using RFID to track and trace high value products. Journal of Cases on Information Technology, 10(1). Retrieved from ProQuest Central database.
This article examines the benefits of using RFID in tracking products.
Virtual Networking
• Kotlarsky, J., Oshri, I., & Willcocks, L. (2007) Social ties in globally distributed software teams: Beyond face to face meetings. Journal of Global Information Technology Management, 10(7). Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Global database.
This article discusses social/community software.
Digital Repositories
• King, M. A. (2008). The implementation of DSpace at the Intercontinental Hotels Group. Journal of Cases on Information Technology, 10(2). Retrieved from ProQuest Central database.
This article is a case study of DSpace deployment.
Global IT Sourcing
• Rao, M. T., Poole, W., Raven, P. V., & Lockwood, D. L. (2006). Trends, implications and responses to global IT sourcing: A field study. Journal of Global Information Technology Management, 9(3). Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Global database.
This article discusses global IT sourcing, its trends and problems.
Health Care
• Chaudhry, B.,Wang, J., Wu, S., Maglione, M., Mojica, W., Roth, E., Morton, S. C., & Shekelle, P. G. (2006). Systematic review: Impact of health information technology on quality, efficiency, and costs of medical care. Annals of Internal Medicine, 144(10). Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.
This article discusses the impact of technology on medical care.
Human Resource Management
• Ngai, E. W. T., & Wat, F. K. T. (2006). Human resource information systems: A review and empirical analysis. Personnel Review, 35(3). Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Global database.
An empirical look at the use of information systems in the human resource field.
Education
Sourin, A., Sourina, O., & Prasolova-Førland, E. (2006) Cyber-learning in cyber worlds. Journal of Cases in Information Technology, 8(4). Retrieved from ProQuest Central database.
This article takes up an analysis of trends in education, particularly the use of virtual worlds.
SAMPLE ANSWER
Trends in MIS
There are several major trends in IT, and these trends have impacts not only on the organization, but also the consumer. Some of these trends include (i) the development of new technologies in various sectors and industries, for instance the much hyped Radio Frequency Identification networks and its adoption across dissimilar end-user sectors. (ii) Embracing electronic payment methods including web-based payments and phone-initiated bill payment; and (iii) Improved and more secure payment processing as a result of advances in technology. These trends have substantial impacts on the organization and the consumer alike. On the organization, these trends promise many benefits such as improved operational efficiency, enhanced inventory control, improved customer experiences, and decrease in costs. The impact on the consumer include improved customer experiences, improved customer satisfaction, and superior products and services in the market place for the consumer (Symonds & Parry, 2008).
The emerging technology that I selected to investigate is Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. Symonds and Parry (2008) pointed out that RFID devices are, in essence, small memory storage devices which could be read and at times written to from a distance with the use of radio waves through an apt interrogation device. RFID is essentially a smart label. Radio frequency identification tags are intelligent bar codes which are able to talk to a networked system in tracking all products that the shopper puts in his/her shopping cart. RFID uses a small chip which is embedded in a tag. The chip could record and store data, for instance a purchase record, price, or a serial number. The tag could be appended on many things such as vehicles, shipping containers, or merchandise. An electronic scanner will then be able to utilize radio signals in reading or tracking the ID tag (RFID Journal, 2013). Devices that use RFID have been flaunted and hyped as a replacement for barcodes in supply-chain applications.
RFID technology may alter or enhance business strategy and organization in that businesses may adopt RFID technology to solve the many problems which are associated with the use of barcodes (RFID Journal, 2013). For instance, with the use of bar codes, a scanner must see the bar code in order to read it, meaning that the bar code has to be oriented toward a scanner so that it can be read. By contrast, RFID does not necessitate line-of-sight given that RFID tags could be read provided they are within a range of a reader (Symonds & Parry, 2008). However, the RFID technology is more expensive than barcodes. RFID will not replace bar codes. They will coexist side by side for many years. Both have their respective cons and pros, and a business organization will choose the one that will suit its specific needs.
The types of businesses or commerce that would be impacted by this new technology include retailers, pharmaceutical companies, and airports. Retailers could obtain real-time comprehensive information on their stock by using an on-going automatic scan system in their stores and warehouses. This could be much more efficient compared to having a worker check inventory on the shelves manually, and may ultimately reduce costs and improve experiences of customers in stores through better supplies and stocking (Industry Canada, 2014). Retailers can also use it to ensure one shot scanning of products at the cash whereby every item in the consumer’s cart could be scanned at the same time whilst they are still inside the cart without having to remove the goods for checkout, thereby speeding things up at the store. Besides retailers, businesses in the pharmaceutical industry can use RFID tags to help in identifying potentially harmful and fake medicines. Airports could also use RFID tags to detect luggage loading errors automatically before bags get lost (Industry Canada, 2014).
Symonds, J. A., & Parry, D. (2008). Using RFID to track and trace high value products. Journal of Cases on Information Technology, 10(1). Retrieved from ProQuest
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Research Project Grading Rubric
1. Project Definition (15 points)
a. name of performer(s) or ensemble (4)
b. location (3)
c. description of interview(s) (when, where, who, how, etc.) (5)
d. cultural identity of music (3)
2. Biography/History of performer(s) or ensemble (10 points)
a. training (5)
b. musical influences (5)
3. Style and Repertoire (15 points)
a. music genre(s) (3)
b. selected repertoire (music titles) (5)
c. instrumentation (3)
d. amplification, electronic techniques, if any (2)
e. musical goals (2)
4. Performances (15 points)
a. typical venues (3)
b. description of live or typical performance (5)
c. recordings, if any (2)
d. impact on community (5)
5. Writing Standards (See also COLS Grading Standards) (25 points)
a. focus, content, subject matter (8)
b. organization and coherence (7)
c. sentence and paragraph structure (5)
d. grammar and punctuation (5)
6. Format/Mechanical Matters (20 points)
a. MLA style (5)
b. sources (2)
c. black ink, 12-point type, 1,500 words (3)
d. on time (10)
Course Materials: Jeff Todd Titon et al. Worlds of Music: An Introduction to the Music of the World’s Peoples, Shorter Version/3rd Edition. Belmont, Ca.: Schirmer,2009, ISBN: 978-0=495-57010-3 (includes 3 audio CDs).
Explores a musician or musicians involved in live music-making in the student’s community and residing within the community.
A few examples of such musician are: a local Mariachi group, a local blues band, a local high school madrigal choir, a local drum and bugle corps, a local church choir, a local folksinger, a local Japanese drum group, a local Hindusthani classical music ensemble, etc. The research project is generally described in the text book on pages 365 and 366 as “A third approach…” and “A fourth approach…” Please read these pages carefully!
• 1,500 words with documentation and
• format in MLA style is required.
• 5 references
Your paper should be written in complete sentences and should describe your subject’s musical style, history, influence, future plans, repertoire and your personal comments. A recording or photograph or other non-verbal documentation is not required. A detailed grading rubric for this project is provided in the Syllabus area.
I. Introduction to Hindustani music
II. Ravi Shankar
1. His biography
2. His achievements for Hindustani music
3. His music
1. his goals for music
2. his personal evolution as an artist
3. his perspective on contemporary uses of Hindustani music
III. Ravi Shankar and the Western World
1. The Beatles
1. George Harrison
2. Mr. Peppers…
2. Shakti
1. John MacLaughlin
2. Hindustani music and musical form combined with Western instruments
3. The ’60s
1. Hallucinogenic drug use connotations
2. “Hippy” connotations
*****The Western World’s reception of Hindustani Music*****
1. Today versus in the ’60s
2. Current influences of Hindustani music in today’s music genres outside of World Music
3. Is this good for Hindustani music?
1. Does it detract from the tradition of the music?
2. Does it spread the music to all parts of the world effectively?
V. Hindustani Music’s effect on the world
1. How can its effect still be felt?
2. How has Ravi Shankar changed the world?
3. Has the effects of Ravi Shankar’s introduction of Hindustani music been beneficial to us?
4. What does the heavy use of hallucinogenic drugs maintain about Western listeners today and during the 1960s?
Analysis of the effects of Hindustani music on the Western world and Western music industry through Ravi Shankar’s influence on George Harrison and other Western artists. Effects on Jazz…possible similarities between jazz and raga…John Coltrane. Miles Davis.
SAMPLE ANSWER
Ravi Shankar
Introduction
This project will be carried out to examine how Ravi Shankar influenced the world by his activities. The project engages to identify the origin of Hindustani music. The project also aims to discover the similarities between raga and jazz as used in Hindustani music. This is by reviewing the play ‘My favorite things’ by Coltrane. Following an introductory exploration of both Coltrane’s musical career prior to 1960 and the “standard” form of “My Favorite Things,” the paper will compare and contrast Coltrane’s recordings of the piece: his 1960 studio recording, a more extended performance at the 1963 Newport Jazz Festival, and the last recording of the piece by his “classic quartet” in1965. These comparisons will reveal the evolution of both Coltrane’s own playing and the dynamics of his group’s interplay. They will also reflect the influence of African, Indian, and Western art music upon Coltrane and the modal and free styles of jazz in the 1960s.
The interviews to get information were conducted in music theatres in India and the Western countries. A group of music analysts interviewed the music teachers in India and the United States. The group also did literature research to garner information about Ravi Shankar and his contributions to the classical and modern music.
Introduction to Hindustani
Ravi Shankar
Ravi Shankar, a self-proclaimed figure, happened to have lived between 1920-2012 in the current day India. In the word of music, Shankar was widely recognized as a performer, musician, composer, and a well-known scholar of classical Indian music. He is still remembered for being one of the leading cultural figures of the 21stC whose achievements placed him as the leading icon of a significant music tradition. One of his profound visions was to ensure a stress free and violence free world (Michael 2007).
Ravi Shamir Biography
Shankar was born in Varanasi, India on April 7, 1920. He later moved to Paris in 1930 where most of his education was undertaken. From as early as 12 years old, he had started performing as a talented music dancer and as musician on a tour together with his elder brother Uday Shankar. In 1939, he held an ambivalent concert at music conference at Allahabad where he took the role of a soloist. His reputation as a remarkable leading performer of traditional Hindustani music had spread like bushfire by 1945. Shankar started to branch out as a composer where he started writing music for ballet and for significant films such as Neecha Nagar and Dharti ke Lal (Bhatt & Kashmiri Education, Culture, and Science Society 2008).
Shankar is also remembered to have composed the song Sare Jahan Se Accha, which is widely applicable today as second to the national Anthem of India. His reputation rewarded him the Music Director of All-India Radio at Delphi in 1949, and developed the Vadya Vrinda chamber Orchestra. The period 1950-1955 was very intense to him, particularly, involvement in internationally-acclaimed film studios of Calcutta where he was bumped up with a Ray Triology. He received glamorously the first of five presidential Awards, India’s most honorable title, in 1962. Throughout the year between 1960-65, Shankar had become one of the world’s leading serious musicians. George Harrison of the Beatles composed a deep, engulfed interest in the Hindustani music, and started to study with Shamir. One of the impacts of this study can be listened in his song ‘Within you, Without You’ (Rachael & Jeffrey 2006).
Ravi Shankar and the western world
Shankar’s performance used typical venue description of live or typical performance recording and his musical contributions are enormous to the community. Shankar and the western world were so diffused that he used the Western world’s personalities such as Eric Nisenson to record and to spread the ‘gospel’ of Hindustani music (Michael 2007). The western world perception of the Hindustani music it brings about globalization. The western world has found that Hindustani is associated with economic expansions. This was brought by the fact that racial integration diffuses knowledge and ideas in the system. The resultant effect was invention and innovation, which will consequently resulted into globalization (Titon, Timothy, Locke, Anne, John, Jonathan, McAllester, and David 2009).
The Western Word’s reception of the Hindustani Music
Having an extensive effect on music lovers on the Western World, Shankar brought advertisement of magnificent technologies through avenues such as television, print media, and social media. There are current influences of the Hindustani music in today’s music genres. This comes in form of modifying tonal setups established by Ravi Shankar (Titon, Timothy, Locke, Anne, John, Jonathan, McAllester, and David 2009).Although there might be an impact on the whole format, it cannot fully reduce the quality of the Hindustani Music and vice-versa. The magnificent works of the Hindustani were welcomed by both hands by the Western World (Rachael & Jeffrey 2006). Borrowing of the techniques and use of instruments by both cultures is highly visible up to the current date. Hindustani spread the music to all parts of the world effectively by avenues such as magazines, social media, and print media (Rachael & Jeffrey 2006). The music is adequately disbursed to all parts including African countries. The impact is reacted to by spontaneous change in music industries. Ravi Shankar was a household name in 60’s music lovers; he was synonymous with Indian music (Bhatt & Kashmiri Education, Culture, and Science Society 2008). The impact of Hindustani continues to reign in the music industry up today.
Hindustani music’s effects on the world
The effects of the Hindustani music to the western world are tremendous. These can encompasses music students in search of a style, who formally meet a trainer of an ancient’s musical tradition. This impact revolves about enrichment of vocabulary of a student. The composition and improvisation by creative artistes leads to continual change of tastes and preferences (Michael 2007). The impact can also involve a western performer of Indian music both in and outside India. In this case, the performer is able to appreciate both cultures. Both cultures integrate the virtual of non-racial segregation in their performances. A music teacher, for instance, integrating Indian pedagogy into the western music classroom, will still feel the effect of the Hindustani music (Titon, Timothy, Locke, Anne, John, Jonathan, McAllester, and David 2009).
The effects extend even to a composer researching the contacts and compare them between Indian, western, and other music of the world. The performers are able to form contacts from various parts of the world, as a result of meeting at frequent times. This takes the format of housing many traditions and cultures under one roof (Aaron 2010). The effects are still felt today as many people are in constant motion to move from India to the Western World and vice-versa. There is still incorporation of both tradition genres in their activities. Hindustani by Shankar changed the world by advocating a free world where all faith and beliefs are contained and appreciated. The world today is featured by holistic integration of all cultures in the music field (Titon, Timothy, Locke, Anne, John, Jonathan, McAllester, and David 2009).
The effects of Ravi’s introduction to Hindustani music has been beneficial to people in that many are able to describe themselves through songs. Music competitions are held all over the world and it comprises the whole generation in the determination of the winner (Aaron 2010). By 1960, the use of hallucinogenic drugs was rampant. It made singers and artistes freely display their habit in their performance. This is not the case today because there are strict measures to deal with the vice. The heavy use of hallucinogenic drugs by 1960 lead to secession of races (Michael 2007).
The western music at that time considered itself superior than any other in the world. But, the western world today views the heavy use of hallucinogenic drugs as one of the connecting factor between musicians of all genres. During 1960’s drugs, psycledia played in a crucial part in openness in amplifying an individual’s abilities. This was purely western phenomenon, a distinguished product of rock culture as in reality. Contrarily, Indian music and drugs are polar opposites (Rachael & Jeffrey 2006). Hippy connotations were mainly used by Western world’s musicians to rejuvenate their styles and performances (Bhatt & Kashmiri Education, Culture, and Science Society 2008).
John McLaughlin and other musicians such as Mr. Peppers diffused the works of Ravi Shankar to attest that Indiana music had a connection with spirituality. Being a disciple of Bengali guru Sri Chinmoy, he wore a shirt of him during Mahavishnu period (Aaron 2010). Due to this spiritual connectedness, a growing number of musicians from whom Indian music is part of their flesh are arising. Shakti being a die-hard spiritualist employed his principles to incorporate those of Ravi to send message globally. In his association with George Harrison of the Beatles, Ravi was able to popularize Indian music to the western world. Most of the highly expressive melodies done by Shanker alongside his longtime table player Alla Rakha, was The Doors, Jimi Henrix and he Grateful Dead (Rachael & Jeffrey 2006).
Coltrane in his play ‘my favorite things’ offers a brief outline of the similarities between Raga and Jazz. Both of them employ modal music that is played every day throughout the world/. Coltrane attributed raga and jazz with respect to all religions in all kind of mysticism. Jazz and raga employs similar short compositions, mostly a melody with should variations that also serve as avenues for improvisation. Improvisation of jazz is always expected. Both genres are much similar in the moment art, in that it requires immediate music making, and both require period of amicable discipline and the research before one can play them well (Aaron 2010).
Both jazz and Indian music, just like languages, have grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary, and contrary to their differences, they share many sonic components in the sphere of human musical expression. Both genres uses harmony and tonal content in their formats, but jazz in western music is grounded on progressive harmony (Bhatt & Kashmiri Education, Culture, and Science Society 2008). Indian music uses elongated compositions (Kritis) that are a major part of the repertoire, and jazz also has the same repertoire of elongated compositions that are played verbatim. This alone gives a tremendous quantity of common base and conceptual strength between Indian music and jazz.
Work cited
Aaron, B. The improvising mind: cognition and creativity in the musical content. Oxford: Oxford University Press.2010. Print.
Biju, M. Kerala tradition: fascinating destination. Kochi: Info Kerala Publications. 2011. Print.
Bhatt, S: Kashmiri Education, Culture, and Science Society. Kashmir scholars’ contribution to knowledge and world peace: proceeding of national seminar by Kashmir Education, Culture & Science Society (K.E.C.S.S.), New Delphi. New Delphi: A.P.H. Publications.2008. Print
Titon, Jeff T, Timothy J. Cooley, David Locke, Anne K. Rasmussen, John M. Schechter, Jonathan P. J. Stock, David P. McAllester, and David B. Reck. Worlds of Music: An Introduction to the Music of the World’s Peoples. Belmont, Calif.: Schirmer/Cengage Learning, 2009. Print.
Course Materials: Jeff Todd Titon et al. Worlds of Music: An Introduction to the Music of the World’s Peoples, Shorter Version/3rd Edition. Belmont, Ca.: Schirmer,2009, ISBN: 978-0=495-57010-3 (includes 3 audio CDs).
The excerpt from “Sarasiruha“, CD 2:3, textbook pp. 201-207, gives a condensed idea of a typical performance. After listening (patiently!) to this beautiful music, how does it (or maybe a part of it) closely reflect the meaning of the text on page 206? Do you know of any music in American culture that celebrates learning?
• Length of 250 words minimum
• Relevance to assigned discussion topic(s)
• Depth, originality, thoroughness, writing quality
SAMPLE ANSWER
Music Essay
Different communities have their distinct music styles. The Indian music styles, for instance, have noticeable differences from those of western origin. This paper delineates on the Sarasiruha, an Indian music and examines whether music in America celebrates learning.
Sarasiruha is a song composed by Pulaiyur Doraisamy in the Nineteenth century. The song is addressed to the goddess of music and learning, Saraswati. Listening to the music enabled me to learn various aspects concerning the lyrics and the song itself. I found out that it exemplifies what Titon et al. (2009) describe in their book. The melodies of the song are not precisely noted, hence, taught orally. It has no definitive versions, a factor that contributes to the many versions. The song has five parts which include: tanan, alapana, kirti, tani, and kalpana svaras. At first instance of listening to the song, it appeared to have no patterns but when listened to closely, I noticed the above actually exist. Instruments accompany the song and my favorite part is kriti. The first section, also known as alapana, is a free flowing exposition, and also explores raga. The part has no regular beat. Another section- tanam, is highly rhythmic exposing raga and is as well associated with drome. Therefore, the song is reflective of the meaning of what Titon et al. (2009) describe.
A number of songs celebrate learning in U.S. One of them is ‘Birmingham Sunday’ performed by Joan Baez. The song recounts the bombing that took place on the African American Baptist church in Birmingham. The song, even though is emotional, it teaches the citizens to embrace one another regardless of one’s race. People are able to learn the importance of embracing one another after listening to the song.
Course Materials: Jeff Todd Titon et al. Worlds of Music: An Introduction to the Music of the World’s Peoples, Shorter Version/3rd Edition. Belmont, Ca.: Schirmer,2009, ISBN: 978-0=495-57010-3 (includes 3 audio CDs).
A minimum of 250 words for each threaded discussion is required for your answer to each discussion question. Students may post anytime during the week to either discussion.
Why did the Marquis Wen (p. 253) more than two thousand years ago find ancient music boring, and what has changed in our listening attitudes since then?
Is this true in Western music culture, too? Please cite examples.
SAMPLE ANSWER
Listening Attitudes in Music
During a conversation with Zi Xia, a Confucian scholar, Marquis Wen asks him why he finds it quite boring to listen to ancient music as opposed to the new music from other kingdoms, such as the Wei and Zheng kingdoms. Marquis Wen informs him that whenever he listens to ancient music, he immediately lies down and is asleep within no minute. He does not find the ancient music appealing at all, and according to him, it only serves to tire people and put them to sleep. Zi Xia explains that the ancient music is quite peaceful, moves according to the rhythm of the drums and at a steady beat and speed. From the start of the music to the end piece, it moves cleanly with peaceful sounds.
New music on the other hand, is quite chaotic and uneven, and it is this lack of harmony that keeps Wen awake. Zi Xia further explains to Wen that what he hears when he listens to new music is airs or just sound and not music (Tan, 2008). Ancient music was filled with history, culture, and deep information about the achievements of ancient rulers. It provided guidance on managing family life, personal growth and development, and living peacefully with others.
Judging from the conversation between Zi Xia and Marquis Wen above, it is quite clear that the music of today is quite unlike what was there, in ancient times. Zi Xia describes new music as chaotic and full of vile and unrighteous elements (PureInsight.org, 2012). It is not beneficial to its listeners, and only gets worse with each new generation. Just like Wen, the current western culture listens to the airs and not the music, which indicates that listening attitudes have not changed much since the ancient times.
Criteria Fill in the answers in this column.
Demographics: Provide initials of the RN, official job title of interviewee, and the date the interview was conducted. CF, RN, 08/08/2014
Required Questions
(answer EVERY question in this section)
1. Describe your career path to your current position. Include information about education and experiences. I earn my Bachelor’s in Nursing degree in a basis regular program of 4 years that typically focuses on the sciences and principles of nursing career practice.
I have been a nurse for 22 years. My first 12 years were spent working in Labor and Delivery and I have spent the past 10 years on the Mother Baby unit. This past December I took a Clinical Unit Leader (CUL) position on the Mother Baby Unit. Our OB unit is very busy.
2. Discuss the value of best evidence as a driving force in delivery of nursing care at your facility. You can’t turn around in nursing without encountering the term
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP).
Many computer systems are now installed with software called Computerized Decision Support (CDS). In the very near future, we can expect to see more computers with hyperlinks or guidelines for evidence based practice. Nurses are so important in the development of CDS. We have the knowledge and skills to provide guidance to nurses in practice. Nursing informatics is a growing field and nurses are strongly recognized as vital to the information technology of the future!
Standardization goes a long way in not only meeting the financial needs of the organization, but also the improved patient safety and care objectives. We can all agree that the ultimate goal of standardization is, in fact, patient safety resulting from clear, concise communication of evidence-based clinician instructions.
Use of a standardized nursing language for documentation of nursing care is vital both to the nursing profession and to the bedside/direct care nurse. Some of the benefits and advantages for the direct care/bedside nurse would include: better communication among nurses and other health care providers, increased visibility of nursing interventions, improved patient care, enhanced data collection to evaluate nursing care outcomes, greater adherence to standards of care, and facilitated assessment of nursing competency.
3. What safeguards and decision-making support tools are embedded in patient care technologies and information systems that support safe practice at your facility? Throughout the years technology has evolved to shape the nursing profession by moving from manual applications to now technology driven. Technology has evolved from nurses having to manually calculate IV drip rate to now using an IV pump when administering IV solution or certain medications , Nurses also had to manually calculate medications then go to the pharmacy and get the medications now with the EHR system in place most of the units the nurse uses the pic system when administering medications. Positive aspects of using the EHR and pic system when administering medications is when properly used this system help to prevent medication errors and provide clear and concise documentation from the physician order to the nurse charting what and how much medication was given . Negative aspect is that a nurse can possible administer too much of the medication by not verifying the correct dosage or order or simple not following the 6 rights to medication administration.
4. Tell me about patient care technologies that have improved patient care at your facility. Data from monitors of physiological processes can be integrated into an electronic record. Some monitoring systems require that the client be connected in some way to the device. For client assessments, nurses use ecg rhythms, cardiac output, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and other measurable data. This data can be integrated into the patient’s medical record.
Monitoring systems that use wireless technology enable automatic nurse-paging capabilities when client measurements fall outside normal parameters. For example, a patient connected to a centralized telemetry system experiences a run of multifocal premature ventricular contractions. The monitoring system immediately pages the nurse. If the nurse fails to respond in a specified time, the system sends pages to other nurses working on the unit.
This enables a faster response to abnormal findings. Advanced technology is improving healthcare by leaps and bounds.
5. What groups of healthcare workers rely on you to collect high-quality information or data and how is it utilized? As we move to toward greater interoperability and sharing data within networks, it will become even more critical to involve the nursing staff in identifying and understanding the value and uses, as well as the input and other requirements, of information included in the record. Nurses are an essential part of the team and play critical role of the nurse in implementation of the EHR.
Optional Questions
(Answer only ONE question from the choices below.)
1. Please tell me what challenges you have faced in dealing with other disciplines who may not “understand the needs of nurses/nursing?”
2. Please share an example of how GIGO (garbage in, garbage out) impacted a decision related to your information or data collection.
3. Please give me an example of how the lack of interprofessional collaboration impacted your role.
4. Please describe what a typical day on the job is like for you.
Follow-Up Questions
(Answer all of these. Please do not ask them during the interview.
Instead, reflect and answer them afterwards.)
1. How will completing this interview impact your practice as a BSN-prepared nurse? Give specific examples.
2. Resources (scholarly articles or texts). Indicate 2 scholarly resources or texts used prior to the interview to familiarize yourself with the individual’s organization, role, or any of the questions you asked to make you a more knowledgeable interviewer. Resource #1:
Resource # 2:
SAMPLE ANSWER
Interview with Nursing Information Expert
Interviewer Form
Your Name:Date:
Your Instructor’s Name:
Directions: After completing your interview, you must use this form to submit your assignment to the Dropbox. You may use the form to capture information as you conduct your interview, or fill it in later. The form is expandable and will enlarge the textbox to accommodate your answers. Do not rely only on this form for everything you must include! Please look in Doc Sharing for specific instructions in the Guidelines for this assignment.
Criteria
Fill in the answers in this column.
Demographics: Provide initials of the RN, officialjob title of interviewee, and the date the interview was conducted.
RN, Nurse, 08/08/2014
Required Questions
(answer EVERY question in this section)
1. Describe your career path to your current position. Include information about education and experiences.
I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in nursing for four years, whereby I focused on sciences and principles of nursing career practice. I have practiced nursing for 22 years working in various units, such as Labor, Delivery unit, and Mother Baby unit. I enrolled for a Clinical Unit Leaders course in one the units last December to increase my knowledge base.
2. Discuss the value of best evidence as a driving force in delivery of nursing care at your facility.
Evidence-based practice has become valuable and a driving force in delivery of nursing care in my facility in many ways. It has contributed to achievement of the goals as it has enabled clear and effective communication of instruction. Quality of healthcare has improved through better communication among nurses and other health providers; it has enhanced data collection aimed at evaluating nurse outcomes and helped in facilitating assessment of nursing competency.
3. What safeguards and decision-making support tools are embedded in patient care technologies and information systems that support safe practice at your facility?
Technologies have evolved in healthcare over the years. Various safeguards and decision-making support tools exist to support safe practice. One of them is the use of IV pump instead of IV drip in administering of Medications or IV solution. EHR and pic systems are also new technologies that are used to enhance service delivery.
4. Tell me about patient care technologies that have improved patient care at your facility.
Various patient care technologies exist and aim to improve quality of practice. Some of them are ECG rhythms, blood pressure, cardiac output, oxygen saturation, and other measurable data. Other technologies are centralized telemetry system that monitor the state of a patient. The system is able to relay information to other nurses in the unit in case the nurse assigned to a patient fails.
5. What groups of healthcare workers rely on you to collect high-quality information or data and how is it utilized?
Nurses are the group of healthcare workers that rely on me to collect high quality information. I have the requisite skills and knowledge in data collection and, therefore, able to render better services. The data is utilized differently including, research, to understand the health condition of the patient, and in making decisions concerning the medication of the patient among many others.
Optional Questions
(Answer only ONE question from the choices below.)
1. Please tell me what challenges you have faced in dealing with other disciplines who may not “understand the needs of nurses/nursing?”
I have faced a number of challenges dealing with other disciplines that do not understand the needs of nursing. One of the challenges is insufficient knowledge in other areas assigned. This deterred me from delivering quality work. Further challenge is lack of teamwork among the members. I, therefore, could not deliver quality services. Communication barriers and different cultural backgrounds have also been a challenge, since working with other colleagues that come from different backgrounds brings a cultural diversity complication.
2. Please share an example of how GIGO (garbage in, garbage out) impacted a decision related to your information or data collection.
3. Please give me an example of how the lack of interprofessional collaboration impacted your role.
4. Please describe what a typical day on the job is like for you.
Follow-Up Questions
(Answer all of these. Please do not ask them during the interview.
Instead, reflect and answer them afterwards.)
1. How will completing this interview impact your practice as a BSN-prepared nurse? Give specific examples.
Completing this interview will enable me understand the scope of knowledge and skills I have. It will enable me to appreciate the skills I need to acquire to render my services well. I will be able to get versed with new technologies available in healthcare and how they are used to enhance quality healthcare.
2. Resources (scholarly articles or texts). Indicate 2 scholarly resources or texts used prior to the interview to familiarize yourself with the individual’s organization, role, or any of the questions you asked to make you a more knowledgeable interviewer.
Assignment: respond to student 1 and student 2 separately in one of the following ways:
•Validate your colleague’s analysis of important factors for developing and leading an effective team with your own personal experience as a team leader or team member. Explain how your example validates your colleague’s viewpoint.
•Extend the conversation by providing an additional resource on leading an effective team, and explain how that resource either supports or refutes your colleague’s viewpoint.
•Critique your colleague’s analysis, and offer additional insight by explaining how environment might affect one of the factors he or she chose.
Be sure to include at least one additional scholarly reference to support each response.
Student #1
The team leadership can be effective if both the leaders as well as team members consider the following factors.
Shared Goals and objectives
The team goals and objectives must be stated clearly. The team members must be committed to these goals in order to accomplish the given task. The team commitment is achieved by engaging all the team members particularly on the definition of goals and objectives that relates to their main aim (Ledlow & Coppola, 2011).
Utilization of Resources
The ultimate aim of a certain team is to ensure all their operations are effective. This is attained through use of its resources at disposal efficiently. Therefore, they must establish an environment that tolerates personal resources to be employed. Each member must be allowed to contribute any relevant information or ideas in order to sustain the rational argument of the team. Additionally, utmost utilization of team members calls for complete participation as well as self-regulation (Bleak & Fulmer, 2009).
Trust and Conflict Resolution
Since there must be disagreement among the team members, the aptitude to identify conflict and to look for resolution ways through discussion is a critical role for a team to succeed. For a team leadership to prosper effectively, members must deal with their emotional and interpersonal issues with a feel of common trust and respect in order to resolve inevitable conflicts among them.
Ledlow, G. R., & Coppola, M. N. (2011). Leadership for health professionals: Theory, skills, and applications. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett.
Student # 2
In order to manage a team effective, trust has to be established. It is one of the important aspects of developing a team. Having trust in a team is a critical element that allow team members to bond and work together. A leader need to also be able to listen, coach, mentor effective delegating and conflict resolution (Turaga, 2013). Creating a culture of trust requires the seven Cs of trust, capability, character, commitment, consistency, and connection that a team should represent. A team must have open and honest communication because this allows the team to get to know one another. Members can take ownership of his or her task and responsibilities, (Turaga, 2013).
According to Sadler (2003), leadership involves the mobilization of different resources towards the achievement of a shared goal or objective. Leadership is a never-ending process where the leader continuously applies his knowledge and skills into inspiring his followers (Sadler, 2003). As stated by Student #1, having and working towards a shared objective represents one of the key characteristics of an effective team. In order to be an effective team leader, it is imperative that one ensures that the team he heads has the same vision for the good of the group. This way, all the other factors such as trust and conflict resolution fall into place all on their own. In addition, benefits accrue such as better time management, efficient resource utilization, and effective service delivery among several others.
From personal experience, I have witnessed the chaos that arises when team members do not share or are not aware of the goal of their team. At the time, we as team members did not know what we were working towards, and as such, most of our input to the group would either be irrelevant or ambiguous to the situation. Instead of addressing this situation, the team leader would critique or turn down any such input without explanations, resulting in a lot of mistrust and conflict among members. In the end, we came to learn that having a shared goal acts as a reference point to which all members must refer, and this is exceedingly vital in team leadership.
According to Student #2, some of the key characteristics of an effective leader encompass “listening, coaching, delegating, mentoring, and conflict resolution” (Turaga, 2013). A leader who possesses these qualities recognizes the significance of having a strong team, and as such, does all he can to ensure the growth and development of each team member. An effective leader is one who knows his strengths and weaknesses and the limits to which he can operate. Effective leadership can be measured not by the successes of the leader, but by that of the followers. A good team leader also knows the people he leads. From time to time, he may need to employ different leadership styles when dealing with different team members.
Another vital resource for effective team leadership is open communication channels and feedback. Most teams comprise of members with different insights, perspectives, and backgrounds, which if not managed properly may result into conflict. According to studies on the subject, in a majority of cases, conflict among members stem from either inadequate information or lack of communication (Leanne E. Atwater, 2012). It is upon the team leader to ensure that open channels of communication exist, and all team members receive adequate feedback, whether positive or negative, for every input they present.
In summary, both students’ responses are quite insightful, but not exhaustive. They are several other factors that influence effective leadership, such as situation, environment, and communication that they have not addressed. With regard to the environment, it is imperative that the leader knows that the leadership style adopted varies with the environment within which the team operates (Stringer, 2002). In addition, there may be situations when some team members may fall behind or need to be motivated, and this may require a lot of diligence and patience on the part of the team leader. An effective team leader will use his judgment to determine the best course of action that guarantees effectively
References
Leanne E. Atwater, D. A. (2012). Leadership, Feedback and the Open Communication Gap. New York: Psychology Press.
Sadler, P. (2003). Leadership. London: Kogan Page Publishers.
Stringer, R. A. (2002). Leadership and Organizational Climate: The Cloud Chamber Effect. New York: Prentice Hall.
Turaga, R. (2013). Building Trust in Teams: A Leader’s Role. IUP Journal of Soft Skills, 7 (2), 13-31.
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ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH DATA
Analyzing Quantitative Data
Previously you discussed how data is collected. Now you will consider how the information gathered with data collected is analyzed.
How does the researcher go about organizing and looking at the data in order to understand what it means? In quantitative research this is accomplished through the use of statistics.
The methods for data analysis depend on the purpose and data collection methods. Most all studies will have descriptive statistics. These statistics describe the sample that was studied. They include data like the percent of men and women, the mean age of the sample, and any other demographic data collected.
The two other most common methods of data analysis are the paired t-test, which measures the differences in means between two groups, or the same group with a pretest and posttest; and the Pearson’s r which measures the relationships between two variables. Pearson’s r can also be used to identify relationships between demographic data and other variables.
Activities
REQUIRED ACTIVITIES
From your textbooks, read:
Introduction to Nursing Research Incorporating Evidence-Based Practice
• Chapter 12
• Chapter 13
Please look up and read the following articles before completing the critique of this paper
• Coughlan, M., Cronin, P., & Ryan, F. (2007). Step-by-step guide to critiquing research. Part 1: quantitative research. British Journal Of Nursin, (BJN), 16(11), 658–663.
• Giuliano, K., & Polanowicz, M. (2008). Interpretation and use of statistics in nursing research. AACN Advanced Critical Care, 19(2),211–222
• Ingham-Broomfield, R. (2008). A nurses’ guide to the critical reading of research. Australian Journal Of Advanced Nursing, 26(1), 102-109.
Please review the following websites.
Please visit the following sites to understand statistics and nursing research:
KuKanich, K. S., Kaur, R., Freeman, L., & Powell, D. A. (2013). Evaluation of a Hand Hygiene Campaign in Outpatient Health Care Clinics. AJNonline; 113(3).
Problem:
What is the problem the study was conducted to research?
Many research studies conducted earlier have tested the interventions for improving hand hygiene within teaching hospitals and clinics and the interventions were found to be successful. Nonetheless, moderately few research studies have actually tested such interventions within outpatient hospitals and clinics.
Why is the problem an important one for nursing to research?
The problem is an important for nursing to research primarily because it will help to improve adherence to hand hygiene practices of health care workers in outpatient settings.
Study Purpose
What is the purpose of the study?
The purpose of the research study is essentially to improve hand hygiene in 2 outpatient healthcare clinics by introducing an informational posters as well as a gel sanitizer (Kukanich et al., 2013).
Research Question
What is the main research question?
The researchers formulated 5 main/primary questions that were to be addressed in the study. These include the following:
Could an intervention campaign carried out in 2 outpatient healthcare clinics result in improved hand hygiene?
Are there any dissimilarities in the observed frequency of hand hygiene at baseline compared with that at 1 week and 1 month after introducing the intervention?
Are there any dissimilarities in the observed frequency of hand hygiene basing on the gender, profession, and timing (post-patient and pre-patient contact) of the worker?
Which tools of hand hygiene do healthcare staffs in these settings – outpatient settings – prefer?
Would the observed healthcare staffs later on report that both or either intervention tools were actually motivating and indeed influenced habits of hand hygiene?
Hypothesis/hypotheses
What is the study hypothesis? If it is not stated, what would you say the hypothesis is?
Interventional campaigns in the 2 outpatient health care clinics will lead to improved hand hygiene. The use of a multifaceted implementation approach that consists of a gel sanitizer and giving informational posters helps in achieving significant improvement in adherence to HH practices and practices within outpatient clinics.
Study Variables
INDEPENDENT
Define the meaning of the term “independent variable.”
Independent variables (IV) are those variables which are manipulated or varied by the researcher during the investigation. In essence, the IV is the presumed cause, it is the antecedent. In experiments, the IV is the one which is manipulated and controlled by the person doing the experiment. In non-experiment research in which there is no experimental manipulation, the IV is basically the variable that logically has some effect on the Dependent Variable (Hoe & Hoare, 2012).
Identify the independent variables in this study and provide a definition of the variable.
It is notable that 2 outpatient health care clinics were used in this research study. The 1st clinic was an outpatient oncology clinic, and the 2nd clinic was an outpatient gastrointestinal (GI) clinic. The IV in this study basically comprised the introduction of an informational poster and a gel sanitizer as an intervention.
How is the independent variable carried out in this study?
Gel sanitizer was included in this study in order to provide HCWs with an alternative to foam sanitizer and water and soap. The researcher’s created an informational poster in order to increase HCW’s awareness of HH, offer information regarding when HH has to be done, and encourage HCWs to take personal responsibility for decreasing the spread of infections which are associated with health care (Kukanich et al., 2013).
DEPENDENT
Define the meaning of the term “dependent variable.”
A Dependent Variable (DV) is understood as the response which is measured in an experiment. The DV is the presumed effect, it is the consequent. The Dependent Variable is not manipulated by the investigator, rather, it is the Dependent Variable which is measured or observed for variation as a presumed, supposed outcome of the variation in the Independent Variable (Venkatesh, Brown & Bala, 2013). The Dependent Variable is essentially the status of the outcome or the effect in which the investigator is interested. In essence, the DV is the variable that the researcher observes and is likely to change in response to the IV.
Identify the dependent variables in this study and provide a definition of the variable.
In this study, the DV is the adherence of health care workers – doctors, nurses, and other workers in the hospital setting – to hand hygiene practices and guidelines.
How is the dependent variable measured in this study?
The DV variable was measured by directly observing HCWs to measure HH opportunities as well as attempts at baseline, after the intervention, and in the course of the follow-up period. Direct observation by trained observers is essential in providing more precise, exact information as regards the preferences of a health care worker for hand hygiene tools. The investigators measured the number of HH attempts against the number of HH opportunities. The opportunities were monitored by direct observers who recorded the attempts. HH opportunities were defined as the opportunities which occurred instantaneously prior to, and after a HCW directly contacts a patient. HH attempts are efforts to do HH in each opportunity (Kukanich et al., 2013).
Conceptual Model/Theoretical FRAMEWORK –
Is the framework explicitly expressed or must the reviewer extract the framework from implicit statements in the literature review? JUSTIFY your response!
In this research study, the conceptual model/theoretical framework is not explicitly expressed. The reviewer has to extract the framework from implicit statements in the literature review. This is because it is not overtly or clearly stated by the authors anywhere in the article and to know it; the reviewer must read through the statements contained in the literature review.
Is the framework based on scientific, substantive, or tentative theory?
The theoretical framework in the article is based on tentative theory; the researchers built tentative theory basing on certain propositions.
Does the framework identify, define, and describe relationships among the concepts of interest? Provide examples and rationale for your response.
Yes, the framework identifies, defines and describes relationships amongst the concepts of interest. For instance, the researchers have pointed out that an earlier hospital-wide study included the promotion of alcohol-based sanitizers, which led to increased usage of these hand sanitizers that resulted in improved adherence to HH guidelines. Simply put, there was a relationship between the promotion of alcohol-based sanitizers and improved adherence to HH guidelines; the more it was promoted, the more the HCWs in that hospital used it. Another example is the relationship between alcohol-based sanitizers, soap and water, and bacteria. When properly used, studied have demonstrated that alcohol-based sanitizers are more effective in removing some bacteria relative to water and soap (Kukanich et al., 2013).
How is the framework related to the body of knowledge in nursing?
The framework is related to the body of knowledge of nursing in that it helps in understanding how exposure of HCWs in busy outpatient healthcare settings to interventional tools could result in improvement of adherence to HH guidelines. It also helps to understand how gel sanitizers or informational posters help to improve adherence.
Review of the Related Literature
Are the articles relevant with previous studies and theories described?
Yes, the articles are relevant with previous studies and theories described. This because the articles are largely about adherence of HCWs to HH guidelines, which are in line with the previous theories and studies described which are also about the same thing – adherence of HCWs to guidelines of hand hygiene.
Are the references current? Identify the number of sources within past 10 years and the number of sources within past five years.
A total of 28 references were used by the researchers in this study. Most of them are relevant since out of the 28, 18 of them are from past the 10 years – dated 2004 up to present year –, and 5 are from the last 5 years – 2009 up to present year.
Describe the current knowledge about the research problem.
The practice of hand hygiene (HH) by healthcare workers (HCWs) including nurses and physicians using either water and soap or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, is regarded as the most effective and significant method utilized to prevent healthcare-associated infections. Earlier studies have clearly shown that hand hygiene helps to reduce the rates of healthcare-related infections, adhering to the guidelines of hand hygiene is low amongst HCWs. In order to improve the adherence to HH guidelines and sustain such improvement in the long-term, it is important to recognize and address barriers. The main barriers basically include: a perception that HH interferes with patient-worker relationships; skin irritation; poor habits that were learned early in life; time constraints; poor access to HH materials; time constraints; forgetfulness; as well as lack of knowledge of HH guidelines (Huis et al., 2013).
Cleaning hands using an alcohol-based sanitizer usually takes less amount of time compared with washing with the use of water and soap. In addition, when utilized properly, it has been demonstrated that alcohol-based sanitizers are more effective compared to water and soap in eliminating some bacteria. It is on account of this that the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) actually recommend the utilization of alcohol-based sanitizers or hand rubs for clinical healthcare contexts. Nonetheless, washing hands using water and soap is still the favored way when hands are noticeably dirty. It is also the preferred method whenever one suspects contact with some infectious agents, for instance norovirus and Clostridium agents, considering that these organisms are very much resistant to killing with the use of alcohol (Boudjema et al., 2014).
Individual HCWs generally have dissimilar preferences of HH products and they can be affected to some extent by dissimilar barriers and motivators to HH. Santos (2013) noted that it has been shown by earlier studies that the use of more than one method is necessary in order to attain improved HH practices and sustain them over the long-term. In essence, such campaigns typically comprise the promotion of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Even though evidence is lacking showing that educational materials alone for instance posters are actually effective at altering behavior of HCWs to adhere to HH guidelines, those which employ messages framed in terms of possible gains instead of losses and which entreat the HCW’s sense of responsibility for the health of the patient might be of benefit in combination with other vital strategies.
Specify the gap in the literature that justifies the need for the research.
There is little or very limited knowledge about the adherence of HCWs in busy outpatient settings to hand hygiene guidelines. There is also gap in knowledge regarding the effectiveness of using gel sanitizers and informational posters in the overall HH performance of HCWs within outpatient clinics. This study was aimed at addressing this gap in existing knowledge.
Many research studies have tested interventions that can be applied to improve HH in teaching hospitals and it was found that they were actually successful. Nonetheless, fairly few studies have tested these sorts of intervention within outpatient clinics. Mensah (2005) in their study which they carried out in outpatient clinics in Britain observed that baseline HH adherence was 18 percent. In a different research study carried out in an outpatient clinic in Israel, Cohen (2002) observed the behavior of doctors and sampled their hands for bacteria, although there was no intervention that was introduced. Observance to HH was low at just 31 percent. It was also observed that 69 percent of the doctors had Stapholococcus aureus in their hands. Some of the reasons that doctors cite for not adhering to HH guidelines include the absence of hygiene facilities, lack of awareness, too much workloads, as well as negative reactions to disinfectants (KuKanich et al., 2013).
Study METHODOLOGY
NAME the specific quantitative methodology of the study.
Observation is the specific quantitative methodology that was applied by the researchers. At times one cannot control a situation, and conducting an experiment is typically not feasible. Nonetheless, it might be probable to observe what goes on.
Provide a clear description/definition of this methodology (in your own words); use an article or your text to support the definition and provide a citation.
Quantitative observation is basically an observation that could be measured in numbers for instance length, volume, and acceleration. In essence, quantitative observations are usually made using instruments (Lubbe & Roets, 2014). They are observations observed of data in numbers; objects are counted or measured and are commonly with numbers.
Why was the choice of this methodology appropriate for this study? JUSTIFY your response.
The choice of observation quantitative methodology is appropriate for this study since the researchers has to collect data through observations. They needed to observe the subjects/participants in order to monitor the HH opportunities and to record the HH attempts of the HCWs in the 2 clinics.
Sample and Setting
Identify inclusion and exclusion sample criteria.
The inclusion criteria included the following: (i) the participant had to be a health care worker; (ii) the participant had to be working at either GI clinic or at the oncology clinic; (iii) the subject had to be a nurse or a physician; and (iv) the subject has to be aware of hand hygiene practices. The exclusion criteria: (i) the individual not being a health worker; (ii) the participant not working at either GI clinic or at the oncology clinic; (iii) the individual not being either a nurse or a physician.
Indicate the method used to obtain the sample. Provide a definition of the method and discuss why it was an appropriate choice for this study
The sampling method utilized by the researchers in this study is purposive sampling. Purposive sampling is essentially a sampling method in which the researcher samples with a purpose in mind. The researcher would typically have 1 or more precise groups that he/she is seeking. Purposive sampling is essentially a kind of non-probability sampling wherein some elements of population do not have any chance of selection, or in which the probability of selection cannot be established accurately (Yarcheski & Mahon, 2013).
Purposive sampling method was appropriate in this research study since the researchers started with a purpose in mind; they wanted a certain predefined group – health care workers in busy outpatient clinics. As such, they only had to sample individuals who are health care workers working in outpatient clinics.
State the sample size. Indicate if a power analysis was conducted to determine the sample size.
This study included a sample size of 88 participants: 41 HCWs at the GI clinic and 47 HCWs at the oncology clinic. Power analysis was not performed to determine the size of the sample.
Identify the SPECIFIC characteristics (demographics) of the sample.
The demographic in this study is defined in terms of gender. Survey was conducted in which 56 HCWs were sent questionnaire survey: 15 from the GI clinic and 41 from the oncology clinic. Of the 56 respondents, 30 were females while 26 were male.
Identify the sample mortality (or attrition) number and percentage.
Sample attrition or mortality is understood as the number of individuals who drop out of the research study in the course of the study. Initially, 88 health care workers were mailed questionnaire survey and only 56 of them returned the survey. As such, the attrition is 32. This is equal to 36.36%.
Indicate the type of consent obtained and institutional review board approval.
Getting consent for the participation of participants in any research study is of major importance. The main types of consent include proxy, post-hoc, implied/implicit, and explicit/express/informed. Implied/implicit consent was obtained from the participants of this research study given that the consent was not obtained through formal ways, for instance verbal or written approval (Schneider, Nicholas & Kurrus, 2013). The participants completed questionnaire forms and this implied their consent to take part. Approval was obtained from the administration of the two clinics.
Identify the study setting and indicate if it is appropriate for the study purpose. JUSTIFY your response!
The research study was conducted in 2 outpatient clinics. This setting is appropriate for the purpose of the study since the researchers wanted to improve HH in the 2 outpatient health care clinics by way of introducing an informational poster and a gel sanitizer.
Identification and Control of Extraneous Variables
Define extraneous variables
Extraneous variables are basically understood as undesirable and unwanted variables which influence the relationship between the variables being examined by the investigator. Extraneous variables influence an experiment’s results, although they are not the variables of interest (Hoe & Hoare, 2012).
What are the extraneous variables in this study? In what way(s) were appropriate measures used to control for the influence of the extraneous variables? Describe fully. If not addressed, explain how you know this and identify the extraneous variables you would note.
In this research study, the extraneous variables include gender, age, background and mood of the participant. It is notable that during the research study, female HCWs were more consistent in HH compared to male HCWs. The influence of extraneous variables was controlled by using almost the same number of male and female participants in the study, and ensuring that they all have the almost the same background regarding knowledge of hand hygiene practices.
Study Instruments/Tools
Identify the instruments used in the research
Survey was the instrument used.
FOR EACH INSTRUMENT: Instrument #1; Name of Instrument: Discuss how the instrument was developed or purpose of use. Cite the source for the background information about the instrument.
Survey was the instrument utilized by the researchers. A survey was mailed by the researchers to the nurse managers at the 2 clinics, and was circulated to 41 HCWs at the GI clinic and to 47 HCWs at the oncology clinic, 3 months following the final day of the follow-up observations. The researchers carried out the survey in order to evaluate the HCWs’ opinions of HH at their respective clinics, as well as their preferred tools of HH – gel sanitizer, foam sanitizer, or water and soap (Kukanich et al., 2013). Surveys are a descriptive, non-experimental method of research and they are particularly valuable whenever the investigator wants to gather data on phenomenon which cannot be observed directly, for instance opinions and perspectives of participants (Hoe & Hoare, 2012).
Identify the type of measurement strategy (e.g., Likert scale, visual analog scale, physiological Measure, questionnaire, observation, or interview).
Questionnaire, observation and Likert scale were used. Observation was measurement strategy applied. Interventional observation was used as the participants were directly observed to monitor HH opportunities and record HH attempts. Questionnaire was used after the observation. A 5-item Likert scale that ranged from strongly agree to strongly disagree was utilized for questions about the motivational effectiveness of each of the intervention tools.
Identify the level of measurement (nominal, ordinal, interval/ratio) achieved by the measurement strategy. Provide a definition of the level of measurement(s) you identified and justify WHY you believe the instruments represent this level of measurement.
The measurement strategy achieved ratio. In ratio measurement, a meaningful absolute zero is always there. This implies that the researcher can construct a meaningful ratio using a ratio variable (Yarcheski & Mahon, 2013). The instruments represent ratio level of measurement because in the survey conducted in this study, there could be zero HCWs who believe that HH campaign has improved their HH practices.
Report the reliability of the instrument from previous studies and the current study.
He instrument is consistent. The information collected by the survey is consistent.
Report the validity of the instrument from previous studies and the current study.
The instrument is accurate and it serves the function that it was intended to serve, and always gives information that is correct.
Data Collection Methods
Detail how the data were collected.
Data were collected through observation and the use of survey. Through observation, the investigators observed the subjects/participants in order to monitor the HH opportunities and to record the HH attempts of the HCWs in the 2 clinics. One month following the final day of interventional observations, the researchers conducted follow-up direct observations of HH on 3 non-consecutive days. Survey was carried out to evaluate the HCWs’ opinions of HH at their respective clinics, as well as their preferred tools of HH – gel sanitizer, foam sanitizer, or water and soap
In what way(s) is the data collection procedures appropriate for this study?
Observation is appropriate since they needed to observe the subjects/participants in order to monitor the HH opportunities and to record the HH attempts of the HCWs in the 2 clinics. Survey is appropriate since it was useful in assessing the HCWs’ sentiments of HH at their respective clinics, as well as their preferred tools of HH.
In what way were appropriate steps taken to protect the rights of the subjects?
The subjects were respected and treated as autonomous agents and those who wanted to drop out were allowed to do so. In essence, there right to end participation in the research study at any time was respected. They were also given access to information as regards the research study.
Statistical Analysis Procedures
Identify the statistical procedures used in the study: Statistical Procedure #1 (Name and definition):
Chi-square: Pearson’s x2 was used. Pearson’s chi-squared is essentially a statistical test which is used in sets of categorical data in evaluating how probable it is that any observed dissimilarity between the sets came about by chance (Yarcheski & Mahon, 2013). In essence, it is utilized in determining whether there is any sort of relationship between 2 categorical variables.
Pearson’s Chi-square is the only statistical procedure that was used.
How was it used in the study?
Pearson’s x2 analyses were utilized in comparing the frequency of HH attempts throughout the 3 observation periods and in comparing the post-contact and pre-contact frequency of such attempts. It is notable that every calculation had 1 degree of freedom, and a P value equal to or less than 0.05, that is, <= 0.05, was seen as significant (Kukanich et al., 2013). Only descriptive statistics were utilized in assessing the frequency of HH by HCW’s profession and gender considering that there were considerably less observations of male HCW’s to allow comparative analyses. In addition, descriptive statistics were utilized to compare the HH tools utilized, given that product availability did vary in the course of the study.
Complete the table below with the analysis techniques conducted in the study:
Statistical Procedure
Statistical Findings
Significance (provide a narrative description of the significance as well as the actual statistical values
Chi-square
Before intervention: Rate of attempt at GI clinic = 21%
Rate of attempt at oncology clinic = 11%
After intervention:
Rate of attempt at GI clinic = 54%
Rate of attempt at oncology clinic = 36%
In both the GI and oncology clinics, the overall rates of HH attempts to HH opportunities were 21% and 11% respectively.
This improved greatly after the intervention was introduced to 54% and 36% respectively, and remained improved at the 1-month follow-up period 51% and 32% respectively.
What are the specific results of the study? Provide DEPTH and write IN YOUR OWN WORDS.
In the GI clinic, at baseline, the overall rate of HH attempt to opportunities was 21%, it was 11% for the oncology clinic, and after the intervention, these improved substantially to 54% for the GI clinic and 36% for the oncology clinic. Half of those who were surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that the HH campaign had actually increased the awareness of HH. On the whole, 34 percent of the subjects agreed that HH campaign had improved their HH practices. Moreover, half of the participants agreed or strongly agreed that introducing gel hand sanitizer served as an effectual motivator and resulted in improved frequency of HH. HH performance was consistently better after contact with patient compared to before contact with patient.
Strengths\Limitations
What are two major strengths of the scientific merit of this study? (This does not refer to findings of the study)
It was easier to answer the research questions using a small sample size than a large one
The study was carried out on a new area which has not been examined previously thus it greatly contributes to the body of existing knowledge.
What are two major limitations of the scientific merit of this study?
The possibility of the Hawthorne effect – some HCWs may have noticed that they are being observed, and hence they cleaned their hands more regularly.
Only 56 subjects actually took part in this study which is a very small figure hence the findings cannot be generalized to the entire population of outpatient HCWs. It is difficult to generalize findings from a small size (Hackshaw, 2010).
How did the researcher generalize the findings?
The researchers generalized the findings by stating that the HH campaign demonstrated that providing informational posters and introducing a gel sanitizer could bring about short-term improvements in HH performance within outpatient clinics.
What did the researchers say the relevance of the data was? Describe the researchers’ interpretation of the findings.
They stated that the results of the research show that the HH frequency by HCWs in busy outpatient healthcare settings is low. They added that short-term exposure to interventional tools could result in modest improvement still seen at 1-month follow-up. Moreover, pre-testing interventions within a particular healthcare setting and utilizing a multi-faceted implementation approach may help in achieving the highest improvements. Reinforcing and/or establishing a clinic-wide expectation that HCWs would follow HH recommendations is also an important measure which might further encourage HH adherence.
Where in nursing can the results of the data be applied?
In busy outpatient settings
What suggestions for further study were identified?
The researchers recommend that in future, after the collection of baseline data, researchers should seek the ongoing involvement and support of influential HCWs who may also act as role models for other HCWs.
Is the description of the study sufficiently clear for replication? Explain and Justify your response
Yes, the description of the data is adequately clear for replication. This is because the instruments used were valid and reliable. They were accurate and measured what they were designed to measure.
REFLECTION
Reflect upon your newly developed understanding of quantitative research. What has this experience critiquing a quantitative research study meant to you and how will this make a difference in your overall practice of nursing? Please provide depth and be sure you respond to the question. This is a subjective response and must be at least 2 full paragraphs. Please respond in reference to understanding quantitative methodology and not the specific focus of the research study.
What has the experience of reading and critiquing a quantitative study meant to you?
It has meant much to me as it has helped to gain essential knowledge and skill that I can effectively utilize to conduct a useful quantitative research. It has helped me to identify the weaknesses such as small sample size that I need to avoid in order to ensure that the findings which I obtain can be generalized. It has also offered me a better, clear understanding of Chi-square/Pearson’s X2 and how I can use this statistical procedure in quantitative data analysis.
How will understanding and using quantitative research findings make a difference in your practice of nursing?
The understanding of using these quantitative research findings will make a difference in my practice of nursing in several ways. It will allow me to effectively apply the findings in my workplace, for instance by adhering to HH guidelines. Moreover, it will help me to focusing on doing what is right in order to improve outcomes.
References
Boudjema, S. S., Dufour, J. C., Aladro, A. S., Desquerres, I. I., & Brouqui, P. P. (2014). MediHandTrace®: a tool for measuring and understanding hand hygiene adherence. Clinical Microbiology & Infection, 20(1), 22-28. doi:10.1111/1469-0691.12471
Cohen, H. A .(2002). Handwashing patterns in two dermatology clinics. Dermatology;205(4):358-61.
Hackshaw, A. (2010). Small Studies: Strengths and Weaknesses. European Respiratory Journal; 32(5):1141-1143.
Hoe, J., & Hoare, Z. (2012). Understanding quantitative research: part 1. Nursing Standard, 27(15-17), 52-57.
Huis, A., Hulscher, M., Adang, E., Grol, R., van Achterberg, T., & Schoonhoven, L. (2013). Cost-effectiveness of a team and leaders-directed strategy to improve nurses’ adherence to hand hygiene guidelines: a cluster randomised trial. International Journal Of Nursing Studies, 50(4), 518-526. doi:10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2012.11.016
KuKanich, K. S., Kaur, R., Freeman, L., & Powell, D. A. (2013). Evaluation of a Hand Hygiene Campaign in Outpatient Health Care Clinics. AJNonline; 113(3).
Lubbe, J., & Roets, L. (2014). Nurses’ Scope of Practice and the Implication for Quality Nursing Care. Journal Of Nursing Scholarship, 46(1), 58-64. doi:10.1111/jnu.12058
Mensah E. (2005). Hand hygiene in routine glaucoma clinics. Br J Ophthalmol;89(11):1541-2.
Santos, L., Souza Dias, M., Borrasca, V., Cavassin, L., Deso di Lobo, R., Bozza Schwenck, R., & … Bierrenbach, A. (2013). Improving hand hygiene adherence in an endoscopy unit. Endoscopy, 45(6), 421-425. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1326284
Schneider, B., Nicholas, J., & Kurrus, J. E. (2013). Comparison of Methodologie Quality and Study/Report Characteristics Between Quantitative Clinical Nursing and Nursing Education Research Articles. Nursing Education Perspectives, 34(5), 292-297.
Yarcheski, A., & Mahon, N. E. (2013). Characteristics of Quantitative Nursing Research from 1990 to 2010. Journal Of Nursing Scholarship, 45(4), 405-411. doi:10.1111/jnu.12038
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