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Health info principle and practices
Do you believe that health care organizations do enough to protect the health care information of their patients? Why or why not? In your opinion, are the penalties for noncompliance with HIPAA strong enough? Why, or why not?
Respond to Jasmine
As a healthcare professional in medical records, I believe healthcare organizations consciously do enough to protect patient information. At the facilities I've worked for (public and private), an active mission to safeguard patient information is the top priority. Most organizations do not want to face the responsibilities and repercussions that come along with not following protocol in protecting patient information if audited or facing a potential lawsuit.I think the penalties or the possibility of facing penalties for HIPAA noncompliance are strong enough. In every meeting, we are constantly reminded of protecting PHI, and the penalties associated with not doing so.
English
In this unit, we focused on the importance of receiving and responding to feedback and the editing and revision processes. Part of the revision process is sharing with others about what you have experienced. Sometimes, you articulate your steps for others to help you to better understand your own process. For this post, consider the process you went through as you brainstormed and proposed your topic in the Unit III Scholarly Activity; submitted the first portion of the assignment in Unit IV; and as you have hopefully begun revising and developing your work based on the feedback you received. Feedback was (I have reviewed your introduction and outline. As you bring the body paragraphs together, remember to use transitional phrases to connect the ideas from paragraph to paragraph).
First, how is your thesis coming along? Do you believe that your overall argument is strong?
Were you surprised by the feedback and suggestions for improvement you received on your Unit III Journal and Unit IV Assignment?
What have you found to be most helpful for you in developing your ideas about the project and the paper itself?
What would you share with others about your process?
What techniques, tips, and methods have you used to help the process go more smoothly for you?
You can also describe methods that were not as helpful to you and what you would like to do in the future that you think might be better. Your classmates may benefit from hearing about your overall process, just as you may learn and benefit from hearing about others’ processes.
Respond to Hunter
I feel that since Unit I, I have a better idea of what argument I want to make from not only from my point of view, but the other side of it. At first, I chose the benefits and return of investment on training employees, but I felt kind of burnt out on the subject. Plus, I was having a hard time finding material. I got really good feedback. I just didn't access the feedback until after I completed the last unit, so now I'm fixing things on my end in order to be successful with this course. I know my writing skills aren't the best, but I'm trying to put all of my thoughts in order to submit a success research paper. Finding the right topic to talk about has really helped me out the most. If it's not something I don't know much about, I'll have a difficult time researching and putting my thoughts down on paper. I have used the CSU library before, but not like I have in this course. It's actually really good. The recorded videos were great... I found a few things on google scholar, which has a great search engine. Then, I would search for the article title or DOI number, and I found it in the CSU library... Which was awesome. After messaging Professor Parker a few times, which I've never done, I've learned that she is ready and willing to help us as much as we need.
Microeconomics
What is the major business in your area? What is the market structure within which that business operates? What are the characteristics of the market structure? Does the government intervene in that market? Explain.
Respond to Ian
Tourism and gaming would be the major business in Las Vegas, Nevada. As locals, we call it "making a donation" when tourist gamble at our casinos! If you have ever visited Las Vegas, you are acutely aware that casinos dominate the city; one is always within a stone's throw from a casino. The casino industry here would be considered an Oligopoly as there are few owners of the countless casinos like MGM and Station for example. It would also be extremely challenging to enter the market as a new owner. The owners seem to strategize together when making decisions. A recent example of this is an agreement between all of the casinos to increase minimum wage for all workers.
The government does intervene in the market, mostly in a focus on regulations. Regulations that are placed on gaming are licensing requirements, strategies to prevent criminal activity, and safety protocols. Taxing can also be looked at as government intervention- ensuring that winnings are properly taxed as earned income.
Ecology
In your opinion, what have we learned about ecological succession and disturbance that can be used to manage forests and other natural areas in a sustainable manner? Are there ways to mimic nature? Please do some additional research on this topic, starting with the reading and resources below:
Here’s a little background reading to start you off:
Millions of acres of forest across the U.S. are regenerating from intensive logging of decades past. Historic timber harvesting typically either involved clear-cutting (cutting all trees in a forest at once) or high-grading (cutting the larger, merchantable, trees while leaving smaller trees to continue growing). With either approach, secondary succession soon produces a dense young forest of small, similarly sized trees.
These young forests can be very uniform over large areas, creating little of the habitat diversity needed to support high numbers of plant and animal species (species diversity). In addition, the high density of young trees means they compete intensely for resources, resulting in slow growth and potentially high mortality rates. Little sunlight reaches the forest floor, limiting growth of understory plants.
In contrast, the old growth forests (not previously logged) that existed before were structurally complex and diverse. Trees in such forests were generally larger in size and spaced further apart, allowing sunlight to filter through the canopy and support understory shrubs, ferns and wildflowers. Small scale disturbances by wind, fire and insect infestations would periodically kill small blocks of trees, creating sunny openings within which early successional plants could colonize. Additional habitat diversity was provided by large standing dead trees (snags) and fallen logs. Numerous small animals could make use of these structures for shelter, predator escape and nesting. The presence of those small animals, in turn, attracted their predators.
With enough time, natural succession will usually restore old growth conditions in previously logged forests. However, this process may take decades to centuries to complete. Many forest managers are consequently interested in accelerating this process, or at least managing younger forests so as to mimic some of the beneficial characteristics of old growth forests. The Vermont Land Trust video (linked below) details one such effort.
As you watch the Vermont Land Trust video, think about the forest management principles that are discussed and how they relate to succession concepts learned after the Mt. St. Helens eruption in 1980 (see the Mt. Saint Helens article and interactive website in the Unit 5 resources). Even though the details of these two successions are very different, some of the same concepts and lessons apply. Your initial discussion board response should address the following specific succession concepts: disturbance, pioneer species, biological legacies, snags, downed trees, habitat diversity, species diversity. You should also explicitly address the lessons of BOTH the Vermont Land Trust forest and Mt. St. Helens.
For inspiration, please view the following video from the Vermont Land Trust and review the material on Mt. St. Helens in the study guide.
In order to access the following resource, click the link below.
Vermont Land Trust. (2020, December 30). Ecological forest management in action: Creating a disturbance to mimic nature [Video]. cielo24. https://c24.page/92uhzqf3xta76up297ryvmqk24
A transcript and closed captioning are available once you access the video.
Your response should be written in complete sentences with no bullet points. Please proofread for errors before submission
Respond to Alexander
Throughout this chapter, we have learned about ecological succession and disturbance. Ecological succession is when there is a change in a species habitat over an amount of time. This is a natural process. Ecological disturbance occurs when there is a rapid change in the ecology of an environment that can be harmful to its inhabitants. There is only so much nutrients in the ground for plants and trees to feed on. If there is overgrowth, there will be problems in the ecosystem and the surrounding organisms will start to die off. With natural disturbances such as wildfires, the fires can be traumatic. With no control, the fires can wipe out all the organisms in the environment affected and leave it a barren area. This is when humans mimic nature to protect it. In order to prevent large scale forest fires, humans have learned to create small scale controlled burns which can get rid of overgrown and diseased trees. This not only leads to a more healthy ecosystem after the burn, but makes it so if a natural fire happens it has a less likely outcome of becoming a large-scale blaze.
Org. Communication
Dove has continued its social media public relations (PR) campaign on beauty and self-esteem. In 2014, Meaghan Ramsey presented "Why Thinking You’re Ugly is Bad for You" at a TED Talks event.
In the TED Talk presentation, Ramsey does not mention Dove. Without
focusing on the organization in the speech, why would this be a good PR
event for Dove? What does it achieve for the organization? Why do you think
Ramsey, who is the Global Director of the Dove Self-Esteem Project, chose
this way to communicate with Dove's customers (and potential customers)?
What are the advantages? What are the disadvantages?
Respond to Tristian
Self-esteem and personal image are sensitive topics for many people. These sensitive topics are best approached from a personal level, not from an organizational one. The discussion aligns with Dove's stance on promoting self-esteem and personal self image. Ramsey's presentation addresses the concepts that her company, Dove, advocates for. However, the presentation is given by Meaghan Ramsey - not Dove. Personal and sensitive topics are advertisement within themselves, and customer engagement from a person to person level builds trust and loyalty. Ramsey's affiliation with Dove indirectly reaps the same rewards for the company; as people put trust in Ramsey, they also put trust in the company because she works there. The disadvantages would be that the company missed a direct advertising opportunity for a select product or range of products.
Math
This unit covers different counting methods: the fundamental counting principle, combinations, and permutations. Complete each of the following:
Choose one of these topics and explain it to your classmates in your own words.
Create an example using the counting method you chose.
Explain and show the steps to solving your example.
State your solution.
Respond to William
For this unit discussion board I chose the fundamental counting principle. This method of counting involves taking the number of items involve in a problem and multiplying them together to get every possible combination there is to a solution.
I am interested in buying a new BBQ smoker. After doing my research on new BBQ smokers I have narrowed my options down to four different brands of smokers. All brands have two styles; horizontal or vertical. Each brand of smoker has three different options for creating smoke and heat. The three types of fuel are; pellet, electric, and charcoal.
Four brands(4)
Two styles (2)
Three fuel types (3)
My problem is:
4x2x3=24 possibilities for a new BBQ smoker.
Human Resource Methods
Besides feedback during an evaluation, what other measures can you employ to facilitate employee improvement when there are noted deficiencies? Offer three options, and explain which you feel would work best, and explain why.
Initial post to be a minimum of 500 words and at least one supporting
reference. Posts to others should be a minimum of 250 words. You should
also include at least two references.
Respond to Marissa
Aside from feedback during evaluations, several measures can be implemented to facilitate employee improvement when deficiencies are noted. Three effective options include coaching and mentoring, personalized development plans, and ongoing training and skill-building initiatives.
Coaching and mentoring involve pairing employees with experienced mentors or coaches who provide personalized guidance, support, and feedback to help them address deficiencies and develop their skills. Mentors and coaches serve as trusted advisors, offering insights and advice based on their own experiences. Through regular one-on-one interactions, employees can receive individualized support tailored to their specific needs and challenges. This personalized approach fosters a supportive learning environment where employees feel empowered to seek guidance and make meaningful progress toward improvement. Additionally, mentoring and coaching relationships often extend beyond addressing immediate deficiencies, providing long-term support for continuous growth and development.
Personalized development plans are another effective measure for facilitating employee improvement. These plans outline specific goals, objectives, and action steps tailored to address identified deficiencies and promote skill development. By collaboratively setting goals and establishing a roadmap for improvement, employees are empowered to take ownership of their development journey. Personalized development plans provide clarity and direction, guiding employees on the actions they need to take to overcome deficiencies and achieve their full potential. Moreover, these plans can be regularly reviewed and adjusted based on progress and evolving needs, ensuring ongoing alignment with organizational objectives and individual growth priorities.
Ongoing training and skill-building initiatives are essential for fostering employee improvement and addressing deficiencies. These initiatives encompass a variety of learning opportunities, including workshops, seminars, online courses, and on-the-job training programs. By investing in continuous learning and development, organizations equip employees with the knowledge, skills, and capabilities needed to excel in their roles. Training initiatives should be targeted to address specific deficiencies identified through evaluations and aligned with organizational goals and priorities. Moreover, incorporating interactive and hands-on learning experiences enhances engagement and retention, maximizing the effectiveness of training efforts. Ongoing training and skill-building initiatives not only address immediate deficiencies but also cultivate a culture of learning and growth within the organization, driving long-term success.
Of these options, coaching and mentoring stand out as the most effective measure for facilitating employee improvement when deficiencies are noted. Coaching and mentoring relationships provide personalized support and guidance, addressing individual needs and challenges in a supportive and empowering manner. Unlike standardized training programs or development plans, coaching and mentoring allow for tailored interventions and ongoing support, fostering continuous improvement and long-term success. By leveraging the expertise and insights of experienced mentors or coaches, employees can overcome deficiencies, develop new skills, and reach their full potential. Additionally, coaching and mentoring relationships build trust and rapport between employees and their mentors or coaches, creating a supportive learning environment conducive to growth and development. Overall, coaching and mentoring offer a holistic approach to employee improvement, aligning individual needs with organizational goals and priorities to drive sustained performance and success. Coaching and mentoring provide tailored interventions and foster trust, empowering employees to overcome deficiencies and reach their full potential for long-term success.
McFee, A. (2023). Best practices for improving employees’ performance. Retrieved from https://hospitalityinsights.ehl.edu/employee-performance-improvement.
Project Management
Part I: Assume that you are a team member for a homebuilding project in a neighborhood with an active neighborhood association that insists on strict standards for homes and associated features and appearances. The neighbors have been in the neighborhood for a long time and actively support the enforcement of neighborhood standards. How would you approach the communication of the project plans, progress, and the securing of approvals? How would you incorporate these issues in the project communications plan? In your opinion, how did you effectively cover your communication to them?
Part II: Assume that you are in the midst of creating the procurement plan for
your homebuilding project, and you are considering doing some of the work
painting in the living room and bedrooms, as well as the installation of tile in
the kitchen. What criteria would you use to decide if it made sense to take on
the work yourself versus assigning to local contractors? Why do you believe
this can be justified?
Respond to Linnelle
Prior to design, we would need to read the restrictive covenants for the community to determine what can and can't be done. This may affect the design of the home. There are two sets of approval needed here- one for permitting through the local building department and one through the HOA.
It would need to be determined if the HOA has a formal approval process such as presenting the plans at a meeting, or just submitting plans to the HOA for approval. Then we would need to follow that approval process. Good communication throughout is key here.
Taking on some of the work such as painting and flooring will definitely save on labor, but time needs to be factored in as well. If I have too many other issues to tend to, it may be worth spending the extra money to hire a crew to do the work. Another is whether I have the ability to do it myself. If I lay tile improperly, and I have to then hire someone to come behind me and fix my work, it will cost additional time and money.
Respond to Sarah
Part I:
To effectively communicate and secure approvals for a homebuilding project in a neighborhood with strict standards, adopt a strategic and transparent approach. Begin by organizing meetings with the neighborhood association to understand their expectations and gather neighbors' input through surveys. Present detailed project plans that comply with neighborhood standards and provide regular progress updates via newsletters or a dedicated website. Arrange periodic site visits for feedback and submit documents for approval timely, being receptive to adjustments based on feedback.
The project communications plan should identify key stakeholders and maintain transparency to build trust. Use regular meetings, digital updates, and feedback mechanisms like surveys to keep stakeholders informed. Ensure timely submission of documents and proactive follow-up to secure approvals.
Part II:
When deciding whether to handle painting and tiling in-house or hire local contractors, evaluate skill and expertise, cost and budget, timeline impact, quality control, and risk management. Assess if the team has the necessary skills or if contractors’ specialized expertise and track record offer better quality assurance. Compare costs, considering potential rework, and evaluate how each option affects the project timeline and resource availability.
Quality control is crucial; contractors with a proven reputation may ensure higher standards. Risk management involves analyzing potential risks and developing mitigation plans, such as warranties with contractors. Hiring contractors often ensures efficiency, quality, and adherence to neighborhood standards, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run due to reduced rework and faster completion. This decision balances quality, cost, and time efficiently, supporting successful project execution.
