students, please view the “Submit a Clickable Rubric Assignment” in the Student Center.

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Case Study 1: Statistical Thinking in Health Care

Due Week 4 and worth 150 points

Read the following case study.

Ben Davis had just completed an intensive course in Statistical Thinking for Business Improvement, which was offered to all employees of a large health maintenance organization. There was no time to celebrate, however, because he was already under a lot of pressure. Ben works as a pharmacist’s assistant in the HMO’s pharmacy, and his manager, Juan de Pacotilla, was about to be fired. Juan’s dismissal appeared to be imminent due to numerous complaints and even a few lawsuits over inaccurate prescriptions. Juan now was asking Ben for his assistance in trying to resolve the problem, preferably yesterday!

“Ben, I really need your help! If I can’t show some major improvement or at least a solid plan by next month, I’m history.”

“I’ll be glad to help, Juan, but what can I do? I’m just a pharmacist’s assistant.”

“I don’t care what your job title is; I think you’re just the person who can get this done. I realize I’ve been too far removed from day-to-day operations in the pharmacy, but you work there every day. You’re in a much better position to find out how to fix the problem. Just tell me what to do, and I’ll do it.”

“But what about the statistical consultant you hired to analyze the data on inaccurate prescriptions?”

“Ben, to be honest, I’m really disappointed with that guy. He has spent two weeks trying to come up with a new modeling approach to predict weekly inaccurate prescriptions. I tried to explain to him that I don’t want to predict the mistakes, I want to eliminate them! I don’t think I got through, however, because he said we need a month of additional data to verify the model, and then he can apply a new method he just read about in a journal to identify ‘change points in the time series,’ whatever that means. But get this, he will only identify the change points and send me a list; he says it’s my job to figure out what they mean and how to respond. I don’t know much about statistics — the only thing I remember from my course in college is that it was the worst course I ever took– but I’m becoming convinced that it actually doesn’t have much to offer in solving real problems. You’ve just gone through this statistical thinking course, though, so maybe you can see something I can’t. To me, statistical thinking sounds like an oxymoron. I realize it’s a long shot, but I was hoping you could use this as the project you need to officially complete the course.”

“I see your point, Juan. I felt the same way, too. This course was interesting, though, because it didn’t focus on crunching numbers. I have some ideas about how we can approach making improvements in prescription accuracy, and I think this would be a great project. We may not be able to solve it ourselves, however. As you know, there is a lot of finger-pointing going on; the pharmacists blame sloppy handwriting and incomplete instructions from doctors for the problem; doctors blame pharmacy assistants like me who actually do most of the computer entry of the prescriptions, claiming that we are incompetent; and the assistants tend to blame the pharmacists for assuming too much about our knowledge of medical terminology, brand names, known drug interactions, and so on.”

“It sounds like there’s no hope, Ben!”

“I wouldn’t say that at all, Juan. It’s just that there may be no quick fix we can do by ourselves in the pharmacy. Let me explain how I’m thinking about this and how I would propose attacking the problem using what I just learned in the statistical thinking course.”

Source: G. C. Britz, D. W. Emerling, L. B. Hare, R. W. Hoerl, & J. E. Shade. “How to Teach Others to Apply Statistical Thinking.” Quality Progress (June 1997): 67–80.

Assuming the role of Ben Davis, write a three to four (3-4) page paper in which you apply the approach discussed in the textbook to this problem. You’ll have to make some assumptions about the processes used by the HMO pharmacy. Also, please use the Internet and / or Strayer LRC to research articles on common problems or errors that pharmacies face. Your paper should address the following points:

1. Develop a process map about the prescription filling process for HMO’s pharmacy, in which you specify the key problems that the HMO’s pharmacy might be experiencing. Next, use the supplier, input, process steps, output, and customer (SIPOC) model to analyze the HMO pharmacy’s business process.
2. Analyze the process map and SIPOC model to identify possible main root causes of the problems. Next, categorize whether the main root causes of the problem are special causes or common causes. Provide a rationale for your response.
3. Suggest the main tools that you would use and the data that you would collect in order to analyze the business process and correct the problem. Justify your response.
4. Propose one (1) solution to the HMO pharmacy’s on-going problem(s) and propose one (1) strategy to measure the aforementioned solution. Provide a rationale for your response.
5. Use at least two (2) quality references. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

• Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA 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:

• Describe how organizations use statistical thinking to be more competitive.
• Apply the basic principles of statistical thinking to business processes.
• Apply the SIPOC model to identify OFIs in business processes.
• Use technology and information resources to research issues in business process improvement.
• Write clearly and concisely about business process improvement using proper writing mechanics

 

Points: 150	Case Study 1: Statistical Thinking in Health Care
Criteria	Unacceptable Below 70% F	Fair 70-79% C	Proficient 80-89% B	Exemplary 90-100% A
1. Develop a process map about the prescription filling process for HMO’s pharmacy, in which you specify the key problems that the HMO’s pharmacy might be experiencing. Next, use the supplier, input, process steps, output, and customer (SIPOC) model to analyze the HMO pharmacy’s business process. Weight: 20%	Did not submit or incompletely developed a process map about the prescription filling process for HMO’s pharmacy, in which you specify the key problems that the HMO’s pharmacy might be experiencing. Did not submit or incompletely used the supplier, input, process steps, output, and customer (SIPOC) model to analyze the HMO pharmacy’s business process.	Partially developed a process map about the prescription filling process for HMO’s pharmacy, in which you specify the key problems that the HMO’s pharmacy might be experiencing. Partially used the supplier, input, process steps, output, and customer (SIPOC) model to analyze the HMO pharmacy’s business process.	Satisfactorily developed a process map about the prescription filling process for HMO’s pharmacy, in which you specify the key problems that the HMO’s pharmacy might be experiencing. Satisfactorily used the supplier, input, process steps, output, and customer (SIPOC) model to analyze the HMO pharmacy’s business process.	Thoroughly developed a process map about the prescription filling process for HMO’s pharmacy, in which you specify the key problems that the HMO’s pharmacy might be experiencing. Thoroughly used the supplier, input, process steps, output, and customer (SIPOC) model to analyze the HMO pharmacy’s business process.
2. Analyze the process map and SIPOC model to identify possible main root causes of the problems. Next, categorize whether the main root causes of the problem are special causes or common causes. Provide a rationale for your response. Weight: 20%	Did not submit or incompletely analyzed the process map and SIPOC model to identify possible main root causes of the problems. Did not submit or incompletely categorized whether the main root causes of the problem are special causes or common causes. Did not submit or incompletely provided a rationale for your response.	Partially analyzed the process map and SIPOC model to identify possible main root causes of the problems. Partially categorized whether the main root causes of the problem are special causes or common causes. Partially provided a rationale for your response.	Satisfactorily analyzed the process map and SIPOC model to identify possible main root causes of the problems. Satisfactorily categorized whether the main root causes of the problem are special causes or common causes. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response.	Thoroughly analyzed the process map and SIPOC model to identify possible main root causes of the problems. Thoroughly categorized whether the main root causes of the problem are special causes or common causes. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response.
3. Suggest the main tools that you would use in order to analyze the business process and solve the problem. Justify your response. Weight: 20%	Did not submit or incompletely suggested the main tools that you would use in order to analyze the business process and solve the problem. Did not submit or incompletely justified your response.	Partially suggested the main tools that you would use in order to analyze the business process and solve the problem. Partially justified your response.	Satisfactorilysuggested the main tools that you would use in order to analyze the business process and solve the problem. Satisfactorily justified your response.	Thoroughly suggested the main tools that you would use in order to analyze the business process and solve the problem. Thoroughly justified your response.
4. Propose one (1) solution to the HMO pharmacy’s on-going problem(s) and propose one (1) strategy to measure the aforementioned solution. Provide a rationale for your response. Weight: 20%	Did not submit or incompletely proposed one (1) solution to the HMO pharmacy’s on-going problem(s) and proposed one (1) strategy to measure the aforementioned solution. Did not submit or incompletely provided a rationale for your response.	Partially proposed one (1) solution to the HMO pharmacy’s on-going problem(s) and proposed one (1) strategy to measure the aforementioned solution. Partially provided a rationale for your response.	Satisfactorily proposed one (1) solution to the HMO pharmacy’s on-going problem(s) and proposed one (1) strategy to measure the aforementioned solution. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response.	Thoroughly proposed one (1) solution to the HMO pharmacy’s on-going problem(s) and proposed one (1) strategy to measure the aforementioned solution. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response.
5. 2 references Weight: 5%	No references provided	Does not meet the required number of references; some or all references poor quality choices.	References are mostly relevant sources of fair quality	References are highly relevant, high quality sources
6. Integration of References Weight: 5%	Sources are rarely integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing, or lack in-text citations.	Sources are partially integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing, along with in-text citations.	Sources are mostly integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing, along with in-text citations.	Sources are consistently integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing, along with in-text citations
7. Writing / Support for ideas: Weight: 5%	Rarely uses reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Partially uses reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Mostly uses reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Consistently uses reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.
8. Writing / Grammar and mechanics Weight: 5%	Numerous errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.	Partially free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.	Mostly free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.	Free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

• .

Assignment 1: LASA 2: Violence and Drugs in Centervale—Defending Abby

The marketing plan format is one that is utilized by major corporations all over the country. However, writing a comprehensive marketing plan is a difficult and challenging task, yet, the ability to write such a plan is critical to the development of a marketing manager and an organization. As you draw to the culmination of this course, apply all that you have learned to develop a comprehensive marketing plan.

 

Directions:

 

Identify a company you would like to use for this assignment. This should be an organization that you are familiar with, or have access to their information. You will complete a comprehensive marketing plan, which will include an analysis of their current market situation. In other words, ask yourself: Is the industry growing? What is the market share for the organization that they represent? Who is the dominant player in the marketplace? Remember, you will need to justify your approach using market research and data.

 

The second step in the process is the actual writing of the plan. Think about the following: What are the goals and objectives for the organization? What is the timing of the plan? What resources will be required to achieve the plan? What are the financial goals?

 

In your marketing plan, be sure to include the following sections:

 

1. Executive Summary and Table of Contents

In the executive summary, make sure you address all the main goals and objectives of your plan. These goals and objectives need to be clear, measurable, and reasonable.

2. Situational Analysis

A situational analysis presents a snapshot of the market in its current state by describing the company’s products/services, target segments, distribution networks, and position of the products/services in the segment, along with competing offerings and relative positioning. It includes current and future assessment of the business conditions and challenges. Within your situational analysis, analyze all the following points:

• Market summary
• SWOT analysis
• Competitor analysis
• Product offering
• Keys to success
• Critical issues
• Pricing

3. Marketing Strategy

The marketing strategy describes the planned direction and goals of the marketing activities, incorporating facts and assumptions about the market size, growth, and financial objectives. Think about the following questions: Where do you see your business going in the next 3-5 years? What is unique about your product portfolio? How will you tell the consumer about your products and unique value proposition? How will you stay connected to your target market’s needs and wants? How will you price your product? Within your market analysis, be sure to address the following:

• Mission
• Marketing objectives
• Product positioning
• Marketing mix (4 Ps)
• Marketing research

4. Financials

The financials of the marketing plan describe a set of five-year revenue, cost, and profit projections for the marketing plan, including any initial startup costs, sales by channel and segment, and profit margins. Think about the following questions: How much do you plan to sell? What are your factory cost targets? What is your profit target by percent and dollar amount? Remember to include the following in your financials:

• Sales Forecast
• Profit targets

5. Controls

The controls of the marketing plan describe the budget tactical activities for implementing the plan, as well performance benchmarks for each activity. These include pricing, product configuration, promotion, and distribution performance benchmarks, and plans for changing any of the parameters if performance measures are not met. They are in place to measure forecast and profit attainment. Forecasts should be reviewed monthly and quarterly. Secondly, a 12-month calendar should be developed to clearly target specific dates for product introductions and promotional activity.

Remember to include the following:

• Milestones
• Implementations and timelines

6. Summary

The summary of the marketing plan should summarize the plan by summarizing the size and scope of the opportunity, and reiterating the STP (segmentation, targeting, positioning) and 4 P (product, price, place, promotion) elements of the plan. It should tell the reader that the plan is real, how you will win, and why it is worth pursuing as an organization (RRW). This section should be no longer than one page.

Remember to review the grading criteria as you write the plan to ensure you address all needed elements.

Use the grading criteria to guide your report. Make sure you include details within your analysis to support your ideas. Use proper grammar, spelling, and APA style throughout. For more information on modeling the buying process, refer to your textbook.

 

Write an 8–12-page report in Word format. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

 

Assignment Component	Proficiency	Maximum Points
Content Knowledge: Understanding Communicates understanding of developing a situational analysis: Market summary SWOT analysis Competitor analysis Product offering Keys to success Critical issues Pricing	Response incorporates analysis and synthesis of central concepts of the assigned topic. Response reflects understanding of the nature of the specific topic within the discipline and its applications in contemporary times. Response provides necessary details and specific examples.	60
Content Knowledge: Application Component 1 Communicates the ability to design a marketing strategy: Mission Marketing objectives Product positioning Marketing mix (4 Ps) Marketing research	Response demonstrates a working command of the disciplinary content knowledge. Response examines the specific issue within the context of the topic area using relevant details and examples. Response analyzes the specific aspect of the issue to applicable areas within the discipline and their relevance to real-world contexts. Response is adequately supported by current and relevant literature.	60
Content Knowledge: Application Component 2 Communicates the ability to explain the financials: Sales forecast Profit targets	Response demonstrates a working command of the disciplinary content knowledge. Response examines the specific issue within the context of the topic area using relevant details and examples. Response analyzes the specific aspect of the issue to applicable areas within the discipline and their relevance to real-world contexts. Response is supported by current and relevant literature.	60
Content Knowledge: Application Component 3 Communicates the ability to identify the control: Milestones Implementations and timelines	Response demonstrates a working command of the disciplinary content knowledge. Response examines the specific issue within the context of the topic area using relevant details and examples. Response analyzes the specific aspect of the issue to applicable areas within the discipline and their relevance to real-world contexts. Response is supported by current and relevant literature.	60
Content Knowledge: Application Component 4 Communicates the ability to write a summary.	Response demonstrates a working command of the disciplinary content knowledge. Response examines the specific issue within the context of the topic area using relevant details and examples. Response analyzes the specific aspect of the issue to applicable areas within the discipline and their relevance to real-world contexts. Response is supported by current and relevant literature.	40
Written Communication/ Personal Effectiveness Conveys through written word understanding and application of academic writing that has proper grammar, spelling, and attribution.	Writing is concise and clear in content, language use, grammar, organization, and sentence structure. Writing is free of major grammatical and usage errors.

Assignment 3: Promotional and Advertising Strategies

 

 

Select one (1) of the following categories of products to research: sports apparel, automobiles, home furnishings, or televisions. Use the Internet to research at least two (2) companies within the selected product category. Take note of the leading companies in this product group, as well as the types of marketing, pricing, and consumer-oriented promotional strategies that these leading companies within the product group use.

 

Write a four to six (4-6) page paper in which you:

1. Compare and contrast the promotional strategies used by two (2) different companies for a similar product within the category that you selected.
2. Recommend two (2) ways in which a company within the selected product group could use marketing information to differentiate itself in the marketplace to gain an advantage over its competitors. Provide a rationale to support your recommendations.
3. Propose two (2) uses for consumer-oriented promotions that could assist a company in both the short and long term for the product group that you selected. Provide a rationale for your response.
4. Analyze the strategic manner in which the leading company in this product group has made its pricing decisions by using one or more of the four (4) pricing objectives. Suggest two (2) actions that other companies within the same product group may take in order to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive advantage. Provide a rationale for your response.
5. Determine the most effective advertising medium for a company in the selected product category. Support your response with two (2) examples of the effectiveness of the chosen medium.
6. Use at least five (5) quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia does not qualify as an academic resource.

 

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:

• Apply the core marketing concepts and marketing orientation to develop viable marketing strategies that fit a variety of market environments, domestic and international.
• Analyze information technology applications and the application of decision support systems to gain a competitive advantage and more effectively control operations.
• Use technology and information resources to research issues in contemporary business.
• Write clearly and concisely about contemporary business using proper writing mechanics.

 

Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic / organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric.

Points: 240	Assignment 3: Promotional and Advertising Strategies
Criteria	Unacceptable Below 70% F	Fair 70-79% C	Proficient 80-89% B	Exemplary 90-100% A
1. Compare and contrast the promotional strategies used by two (2) different companies for a similar product within the category that you selected. Weight: 10%	Did not submit or incompletely compared and contrasted the promotional strategies used by two (2) different companies for a similar product within the category that you selected.	Partially compared and contrasted the promotional strategies used by two (2) different companies for a similar product within the category that you selected.	Satisfactorily compared and contrasted the promotional strategies used by two (2) different companies for a similar product within the category that you selected.	Thoroughly compared and contrasted the promotional strategies used by two (2) different companies for a similar product within the category that you selected.
2. Recommend two (2) ways in which a company within the selected product group could use marketing information to differentiate itself in the marketplace to gain an advantage over its competitors. Provide a rationale to support your recommendations. Weight: 15%	Did not submit or incompletely recommended two (2) ways in which a company within the selected product group could use marketing information to differentiate itself in the marketplace to gain an advantage over its competitors. Did not submit or incompletely provided a rationale to support your recommendations.	Partially recommended two (2) ways in which a company within the selected product group could use marketing information to differentiate itself in the marketplace to gain an advantage over its competitors. Partially provided a rationale to support your recommendations.	Satisfactorily recommended two (2) ways in which a company within the selected product group could use marketing information to differentiate itself in the marketplace to gain an advantage over its competitors. Satisfactorily provided a rationale to support your recommendations.	Thoroughly recommended two (2) ways in which a company within the selected product group could use marketing information to differentiate itself in the marketplace to gain an advantage over its competitors. Thoroughly provided a rationale to support your recommendations.
3. Propose two (2) uses for consumer-oriented promotions that could assist a company in both the short and long term for the product group that you selected. Provide a rationale for your response. Weight: 15%	Did not submit or incompletely proposed two (2) uses for consumer-oriented promotions that could assist a company in both the short and long term for the product group that you selected. Did not submit or incompletely provided a rationale for your response.	Partially proposed two (2) uses for consumer-oriented promotions that could assist a company in both the short and long term for the product group that you selected. Partially provided a rationale for your response.	Satisfactorily proposed two (2) uses for consumer-oriented promotions that could assist a company in both the short and long term for the product group that you selected. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response.	Thoroughly proposed two (2) uses for consumer-oriented promotions that could assist a company in both the short and long term for the product group that you selected. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response.
4. Analyze the strategic manner in which the leading company in this product group has made its pricing decisions by using one or more of the four (4) pricing objectives. Suggest two (2) actions that other companies within the same product group may take in order to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive advantage. Provide a rationale for your response. Weight: 20%	Did not submit or incompletely analyzed the strategic manner in which the leading company in this product group has made its pricing decisions by using one or more of the four (4) pricing objectives. Did not submit or incompletely suggested two (2) actions that other companies within the same product group may take in order to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive advantage. Did not submit or incompletely provided a rationale for your response.	Partially analyzed the strategic manner in which the leading company in this product group has made its pricing decisions by using one or more of the four (4) pricing objectives. Partially suggested two (2) actions that other companies within the same product group may take in order to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive advantage. Partially provided a rationale for your response.	Satisfactorily analyzed the strategic manner in which the leading company in this product group has made its pricing decisions by using one or more of the four (4) pricing objectives.  Satisfactorily suggested two (2) actions that other companies within the same product group may take in order to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive advantage. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response.	Thoroughly analyzed the strategic manner in which the leading company in this product group has made its pricing decisions by using one or more of the four (4) pricing objectives. Thoroughly suggested two (2) actions that other companies within the same product group may take in order to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive advantage. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response.
5. Determine the most effective advertising medium for a company in the selected product category. Support your response with two (2) examples of the effectiveness of the chosen medium. Weight: 15%	Did not submit or incompletely determined the most effective advertising medium for a company in the selected product category. Did not submit or incompletely supported your response with two (2) examples of the effectiveness of the chosen medium.	Partially determined the most effective advertising medium for a company in the selected product category. Partially supported your response with two (2) examples of the effectiveness of the chosen medium.	Satisfactorily determined the most effective advertising medium for a company in the selected product category. Satisfactorily supported your response with two (2) examples of the effectiveness of the chosen medium.	Thoroughly determined the most effective advertising medium for a company in the selected product category. Thoroughly supported your response with two (2) examples of the effectiveness of the chosen medium.
6. 5 referencesWeight: 5%	No references provided	Does not meet the required number of references; some or all references poor quality choices.	Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices.	Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices.
7. Writing Mechanics, Grammar, and FormattingWeight: 5%	Serious and persistent errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Partially free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Mostly free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.	Error free or almost error free grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.
8. Appropriate use of APA in-text citations and  reference section Weight: 5%	Lack of in-text citations and / or lack of reference section.	In-text citations and references are provided, but they are only partially formatted correctly in APA style.	Most in-text citations and references are provided, and they are generally formatted correctly in APA style.	In-text citations and references are error free or almost error free and consistently formatted correctly in APA style.
9. Information Literacy/Integration of SourcesWeight: 5%	Serious errors in the integration of sources, such as intentional or accidental plagiarism, or failure to use in-text citations.	Sources are partially integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are mostly integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.	Sources are consistently integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.
10. Clarity and Coherence of WritingWeight: 5%	Information is confusing to the reader and fails to include reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is partially clear with minimal reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.	Information is mostly clear and generally supported with reasons and evidence that logically su

Homework Assignment 4

 

Discuss one (1) project where you used a problem-solving approach to address what turned out to be common-cause variation, or where you used a process improvement approach to deal with a special cause.

 

If you do not have a personal experience that echoes either of these situations, you may use Internet to search for a case that reflects either of these situations.

 

Examples:

 

• one’s personal investment strategy since 2008

 

• reducing waiting times at the local hospital or emergency room

 

• reducing difficulties trying to connect to a Wi-Fi Internet provider

 

 

 

Answer the following questions in the space provided below:

 

1. Describe the experience in the project.

 

2. What were the solutions used to address the problem?

 

3. Was the case you described a special-cause or common-cause?

 

4. Do you feel the solution or approach used appropriate for the cause?

 

5. What would you do if you could do it again?

 

6. What conclusions can you draw from the problem-solving or process-improvement techniques?

 

Note: You may create and / or make all necessary assumptions needed for the completion of this assignment. In your original work, you may use aspects of existing processes from either your current or a former place of employment. However, you must remove any and all identifying information that would enable someone to discern the organization(s) that you have used.

 

 

Answer

Tests

A study wants to examine the relationship between student anxiety for an exam and the number of hours studied. The data is as follows:

Student Anxiety Scores 5 10 5 11 12 4 3 2 6 1

Study Hours 1 6 2 8 5 1 4 6 5 2

1.Why is a correlation the most appropriate statistic?

2.What is the null and alternate hypothesis?

3.What is the correlation between student anxiety scores and number of study hours? Select alpha and interpret your findings. Make sure to note whether it is significant or not and what the effect size is.

4.How would you interpret this?

5.What is the probability of a type I error? What does this mean?

6.How would you use this same information but set it up in a way that allows you to conduct a t-test? An ANOVA?

A+ Paper

Prepare a research paper on an Acquisitions Business issue of his or her choice. However, regardless of the student preference, the professor must approve the topic. The research paper should be 5-7 pages in length and include at least four bibliographic references in addition to the course text. References should be listed at the end of the paper and should follow the American Psychological Association (APA) formatting. The APA web site can be consulted for assistance

Some examples of topics are as follows:

– Discuss fully the principle of Acquisitions Management. What is most important? What do you think will become more important over the next two decades?

– Describe fully the policy-making process and the manager’s role in acquisitions.

– Describe the major types of relationships that exist today between the DoD and corporate America in the acquisitions field.

– Discuss the ethical problems in acquisitions and the effects that it may have on an organization.

– What can be done by Leaders/Commanders to make their organizations better in acquisitions?

– Explain the Lessons in “Leadership” and “Acquisitions” in organizations.

 

 

Compensation and Reimbursement Plans

One way in which a MCO can control cost, quality, and access is through various structured compensation and reimbursement plans. The two most common examples are fee for service and capitation. Moreover, there are different types of reimbursement systems for inpatient and outpatient services. Answer the following questions in regard to the above information:

• Examine the three types of inpatient or outpatient reimbursement systems?
• Evaluate the key advantages and disadvantages of each system from the point of view of a managed care plan and the hospital?
• What is the difference between capitation and FFS? Evaluate the type of market appropriate for each reimbursement method. Support your answer by providing an example of an MCO using either of these methods.
• What do you understand by the term “UCR”? With what form of reimbursement is this term associated? Search current information from the Internet and evaluate the use of UCR in the managed care industry.

Reimbursement procedures are complex and detailed, especially those associated with government programs such as Medicare. Part of the regulatory requirements of Medicare is to prevent illegal billing practices such as churning, upcoding, and unbundling. You can also search on federal regulations for reimbursement procedures and fraud and compliance guidelines and education materials.

Based on your research, respond to the following questions:

• Review the latest enforcement actions on this website. Identify a case where at least one of the following illegal actions was used—churning, upcoding, and unbundling.
• What are some of the specific examples of actions taken against providers engaged in these practices?

After answering the above questions, read the following information:

 

P4P is a type of compensation method for providers based on evidence-based practices that promote better quality outcomes. Find at least two online sources of information, such as professional associations and government resources, from the South University Online library or the Internet on P4P compensation programs: one in favor of and one against this type of compensation program for providers.

Now, using the readings this week and the information gathered from the above sources:

• Explain, in your own words, the negative consequences of P4P program.
• Describe the market forces making this type of compensation program popular.

 

Describe a situation where you were forced to make an ethical decision. What principles guided you in that decision? Why?