Author: chris

Write a reflective 4 page paper summarizing the takeaways from the class while emphasizing the role of quality and performance improvement initiatives in healthcare.  Specifically, the student will address the ways in which they can expect to contribute to QI/PI initiatives within the scope of Health Information Management to include several examples of how their contribution, to the processes and overarching systems, will impact the quality and delivery of healthcare.

Thank you

Directions: Please answer the following questions using complete sentences.  A minimum of one paragraph is required for each response.  Each paragraph must be five to seven sentences in length.

1. What are the benefits of the budgeting process?

2. Describe how an operating budget is constructed.

3. Describe how a cash-flow budget is constructed.

4. Describe how a capital budget is constructed.

5. What is a ratio analysis?  How is horizontal analysis different from vertical analysis?

6. What is a business plan?

7. Describe each of the five planning pitfalls entrepreneurs often encounter.

8. Identify the benefits of a business plan (a) for an entrepreneur and (b) for financial sources.

9. Briefly describe each of the major segments to be covered in a business plan.

10. Outline some of the critical points to capture in an elevator pitch.

HW6

Directions: Read the cases below and answer the questions using complete sentences.  Your completed submission should be at least five pages in length in APA format.  Be sure to use and cite at least two outside, scholarly sources.  Visit the Academic Resource Center for helpful APA formatting techniques.

Case Study I: It’s All Greek to Her

When Regina McDermott opened her auto repair shop, she thought her 15 years of experience with cars was all she would need.  To a degree, she was right—within six months, her shop had more work than it could handle, thanks to her widening reputation.  At the same time, however, Regina has found it necessary to spend more and more time dealing with financial planning.

Three weeks ago, her accountant came by to discuss a number of finance-related matters.  One of these is the need for cash budgeting.  “I can work up a cash budget for you,” he explained.  “However, I think you should understand what I am doing so you will realize the importance of the cash budget and be able to visualize your cash inflows and outflows.  I think you also need to make a decision regarding the new equipment you are planning to purchase.  This machinery is state of the art, but, as we discussed last week, you can buy a number of different types of machinery.  You are going to have to decide which is the best choice.”

Regina explained to her accountant that she was indifferent about which equipment to buy.  “All of this machinery is good.  Perhaps I should purchase the cheapest.”  At this point, the accountant explained to her that she could use a number of ways to evaluate this type of decision.  “You can base your choice on the payback method—how long it takes to recover your investment in each of these pieces of equipment.  You can base it on net present value by discounting future cash flows to the present.  Or you can base it on internal rate of return under which the cash flows are discounted at a rate that makes the net present value of the project equal to zero.”

Regina listened quietly; when the accountant was finished, she said, “Let me think about the various ways of evaluating my capital investment, and I will get back to you.  Then, perhaps you and I can work out the numbers together.”  Her accountant said this sounded fine to him and he left.  Regina began to wish she had taken more accounting courses while in college.  As she explained to her husband, “When the accountant begins to talk, it is all Greek to me.”

1. What is the purpose of a cash-flow budget?  What does it reveal?  Of what value would it be to Regina?  Who would generally review this information and what might they do with it?  Be sure to analyze the topic very thoroughly and cite at least two sources.

2. How does the payback method work?  How does the net present value method work?  How would you explain each of these methods to Regina?  What are the most useful methods for Regina’s business and why?

3. How does the internal rate of return method work?  How would you explain it to Regina?  At what point does Regina need to work on these calculations and when are they not of added value to her?

Case Study II: It’s Just a Matter of Time

Pedro Santini has been a computer analyst for five years.  In his spare time, he has developed a word processing software program that is more comprehensive and powerful than any on the market.  Because he does not have a great deal of money, Pedro believes that the first step in producing and marketing this product should be to obtain the necessary venture capital.

The software program has been written and trial-tested by Pedro and a handful of friends to whom he gave the material.  Two of these friends are computer word processors who told him that the program is faster and easier to use than anything on the market.  Pedro believes that these kinds of testimonials point out the profit potential of the product.  However, he still needs to get financial support.  One of Pedro’s friends has suggested a meeting with a venture capitalist.  “These guys have all sorts of money to invest for new ventures,” the friend told Pedro.  “All you have to do is explain your ideas and sell them on giving you the money.  They are always looking to back a profitable idea, and yours is certain to be one of the best they have seen in a long time.”

Pedro agrees with his friend, but believes he should not discuss the matter with a venture capitalist until he has thought through answers to the various types of questions likely to be asked.  In particular, Pedro believes he should be able to provide the venture capitalist with projected sales for the first three years and be able to explain the types of expenses that would be incurred.  Once he has done this, Pedro feels that he will be ready to talk to the individual.  “Right now,” he tells his friends, “it is just a matter of time.  I think that, within seven to ten days, I will be ready to present my ideas and discuss financial needs.”

1. In addition to financial questions, what other questions is the venture capitalist likely to ask Pedro?  What should Pedro be ready for?  What are some questions a VC may ask that it is clear Pedro is not ready to answer, or to what questions would he have an incomplete or unacceptable answer?

2. Would a business plan be of any value to Pedro?  Why or why not?  Should Pedro have had one already?  Will a VC care about a lack of business plan?  Support your answer.

3. How would you recommend Pedro get ready for his meeting with the venture capitalist?  List out what questions he should be prepared to answer, what documents he should have ready, and how he should prepare his elevator pitch.  Be complete in your answer.

Read the case study below and answer the questions guided by the rubric for short answers. USE Word to create a document that has your name, the questions below and the inserted answers. When you have completed your answers, upload the document to this drop box by the deadline. Assignments sent by email or late WILL NOT BE GRADED.

You went to get a haircut yesterday and your stylist was having a conversation with another stylist in the shop.  The second stylist said that her live-in boyfriend of three years just got a blood test and discovered he had hepatitis C.  Your stylist shrugged her shoulders and said her boyfriend has never had any symptoms so she wasn’t going to worry about it.

• After the second stylist walks away, your stylist asks you about hepatitis C. Her first question is,

“is it serious?” . Answer this question as thoroughly as you can. (3 pts)

• How is it transmitted? (3 pts)
• Can she be vaccinated against it? (2 pts)
• Your stylist has heard of hepatitis A and hepatitis B, but never hepatitis C. Is it new? Explain. (2 pts)

Assignment:

Identify a current trend in technology for improving global business that is likely to affect a global business within the next 3 years.

Prepare a 1,050- to 1,400-word evaluation of the value or expected effect on a global business that the identified trend will likely have over the next 3 years. An evaluation usually involves judgments based on standards, generally accepted criteria, or benchmarks.

Alternatively, prepare an 8- to 10-slide Microsoft^® PowerPoint^® presentation and script in the notes area of the slides to present or discuss your evaluation.

discuss the Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India in your text.  It has been a longstanding geographical problem that involves all aspects of geography, but has a focus in cultural geography.  Write a 2-3 page (not including title page and references), double-spaced, APA-formatted essay that evaluates the following:

• What is the major concern with the Kashmir problem?
• What parties/countries are involved in the Kashmir problem?
• Has this dispute become violent?
• Where does the issue stand today?
• In your opinion, which side is correct in the Kashmir dispute?
• Offer an idea that would provide a resolution to the dispute.
• Include a map with your document that clearly demonstrates the area that is at dispute in the Kashmir.

Assignment 2: Locating Scholarly Sources on the Internet

In today’s technologically advanced times, there is great temptation to search for scholarly information on the Internet. Though it is possible to locate valid and reliable information on the Internet, it is easier said than done.

In this assignment, you will review the criteria and explore strategies that can be used to locate credible and scholarly information through the Internet.

Tasks:

Part 1:

Using the Argosy University online library resources and the Internet, research and read about the assignment topic. In a minimum of 200 words, post your response to the following:

• What criteria should be considered when locating credible information through the Internet? Discuss at least 2–3 key criteria.
• What are some of the key red flags that indicate that a website might not be a credible source? Discuss at least 2–3 key points that might indicate a red flag.

Part 2:

• Applying your suggestions from Part 1 of this discussion, locate at least two credible websites related to Human Services research. Based on the insights gained, discuss ways in which a human services researcher can make contributions to research within the social science field, which are different from those made by researchers in other areas of social research.
• Now, take a look at your community or the society as a whole. Discuss 2–3 human services problems that you have experienced or witnessed. On the basis of these problems, brainstorm 2–3 research questions that could lead to research for addressing or better understanding these issues.

Submission Details:

• By Saturday, December 12, 2015, post your responses to this Discussion Area.
• Through Wednesday, December 16, 2015, read all your classmates’ postings and respond to at least two of them. Comment on the criteria and strategies presented by them by either adding to the posts or challenging them in your responses

Research Paper

The final assignment for the course will be a research paper.  The Research Paper will contribute 25% to the course grade.

Focus of the Research Paper

This final research paper must demonstrate the understanding of new learning in the field of project management and how it relates to purchasing and supply management.  This is an assignment with a length of 10 – 12 pages that should integrate the reading, multi-media, and class discussion boards.  It is mandatory to have research from the classroom text as well as at least five sources from reputable sources or online library to support your views.

Consider the validity of your resources carefully before using them in academic papers.  It is recommended to use examples from your professional experience where possible or build from your learning in the discussion boards.  Use at least one project of which you have been a team member or a project manager as an example to describe the topics below:

The following topics must be included in order for the paper to be complete:

• Summarize the concepts of procurement and contract management and the importance to the business world.
• Evaluate RFP selection tools and how to improve the assessment of proposals.
• Summarize the concept of procurement planning and evaluate the various strategies necessary for project success.
• Assess how to select the most qualified vendor in a proposal.
• Appraise the contract and in particular, the legal aspects of procurement within the contract.
• Compare the critical elements of a contract including relationships between the client, supplier, completion terms and payment terms.

The final Research Paper for the course must be submitted by to the instructor by 11:59 p.m. of the time zone in which you reside on the last day of the class.

Writing the Research Paper

The Paper:

• Must be 10 – 12 double-spaced pages in length and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the approved APA style guide.
• Must include a cover page that includes:
  • Title of paper
  • Student’s name
  • Course name and number
  • Instructor’s name
  • Date submitted
• Must include an introductory paragraph with a succinct thesis statement.
• Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
• Must conclude with a restatement of the thesis and a conclusion paragraph.
• Must use at least four scholarly sources, including a minimum of two from the Ashford Online Library, in addition to the textbook.
• Must use APA style as outlined in the approved APA style guide to document all sources.
• Must include, on the final page, a Reference Page that is completed according to APA style as outlined in the approved APA style guide.

Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.

Paradigm Constraints

Whether managing a non-profit theater group, a global delivery service, or a fast-growing church, all organizations face constraints. The case studies featured in your readings this week are all very different in terms of their size, structure, markets, and goals, yet each could benefit from constraint and paradigmatic analysis as it grapples with complex business problems.

Review the case studies for the week, and select one for this Assignment. Note that all organizations aim to create value, regardless of whether they are for- or non-profit, public or privately held, large or small. Each case describes an organization that seeks to achieve its goals through its operations and initiatives.

For this Assignment, prepare the first draft of a systems diagram, identifying the primary system archetypes that the case describes. Identify the key paradigm-based constraints that prevent subjects in the case study from seeing other options.

Assignment

For the case you selected, complete the following:

• Develop robust systems diagrams that capture the system behaviors and outcomes for your client’s organization.  Include a 5-Why effect-cause-effect analysis, and a causal loop diagram (CLD) that identifies appropriate system constraints and delays and that also identifies the key system archetypes described in the case. (1 page for the 5-Whys diagram, 1 page for the full CLD).
• Write a persuasive, detailed, prioritized description of your findings and make specific recommendations that integrates the analyses you have performed. (1-2 pages, single-spaced)
• Describe the lessons you learned from the case study and explain how you might apply them in the future

Write an eight to ten (8-10) page paper in which you:

1. Determine how innovations in employee benefits can improve the overall competitive compensation strategy of the organization.
2. Explain how innovative benefits could be tied to specific jobs.
3. Critique the effectiveness of equity-based rewards systems versus those with more creative approaches.
4. Discuss the key elements of integrating innovation into a traditional total rewards program.
5. Recommend a process that optimizes an employee-based suggestion program to continually refresh the total rewards of the organization.
6. Use at least five (5) quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not quality as academic resources.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

• Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

• Analyze an organization’s strategy and integrate pay-for-performance plans and total rewards into a compensation strategy that will motivate desired behavior and improve job performance.
• Explain a benefit plan as part of an overall competitive compensation strategy and the policies to administer the benefits.
• Use technology and information resources to research issues in total rewards.
• Write clearly and concisely about total rewards using proper writing mechanics.

Click here to view the grading rubric for this assignment.