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PH 583 Examination

Spring 2016

This test is worth 100 points. There are three parts to this examination. Part I consists of a true/ false answer section. The true/false questions are worth two points each for a total of 20 points. Part II consists of a short/intermediate answer section.  The short/intermediate answer questions are worth four points each for a total of 20 points. Please keep answers to each question in this section to 500 words or less. Part III consists of an intermediate answer section. This section is worth 60 points.  Please keep answers to each questions in this section to 1,000 words or less. This test is open book/open notes. You can also use the internet if you wish. However, this exam is not a group project and must be taken without collaboration from your classmates or peers. Evidence of a group effort will result in failure of this examination.  Open book examinations raise the bar in a professor's expectations.  I am looking for intellectual dialogue that does the following: (1) References the course notes and readings. (2) Illustrates common or contrasting views when necessary. (3) Incorporates your own analysis and perception of the topic. Please ensure that the test is professional in its appearance. All answers must be typed; hand written tests will not be accepted. Please include the questions with the answers. Please also include this instruction page with the test submission. You can use bullet points where necessary to summarize important points. However, do not just provide a duplication of the information from lecture or from other sources. Duplication of information will result in a reduction of points. You must persuade me that you know what you are talking about. The test will be due by 11:59 PM on Wednesday, May 11th. Late submissions will result in a significant reduction of points. Please place your initials and 800 number on the top right hand corner of every page. Do not place your full name on the exam. Electronic copies of the exam are to be submitted under the Tests and Quizzes section on blackboard. Points will be subtracted if these rules are not followed. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.................GOOD LUCK.

Part II (20 Points): Short/Intermediate Answer Section:

Answers to each question in this section should be kept to 500 words or less.

1: The Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is now viewed as the predominant form of health insurance. Please identify and explain at least three factors which led to this occurrence?  (Please number your factors).

2: Who is Lemeul Shattuck, and what has been his contribution to public health? How original were his ideas?

3: You have been tasked to develop a strategic management plan for a local health department. Please provide a general overview of how you will approach the project from the beginning to end stages. Please explain why each stage was selected.

4: Please define, compare and contrast the difference between zero sum and positive sum competition. Which type of competition most explains the U.S. healthcare system? Why?

5: Please explain the difference between a goal and objective. Include an example of a public health related goal with at least four objectives written in the proper format. 

Part III (60 Points): Intermediate Answer Section:

Answers to each question in this section should be kept to 1,000 words or less.

1: Recently there has been an intense debate around the country regarding the minimum wage.  Please see the following newspaper reports in the Supplemental Test Materials folder for more information:

·      The Minimum Wage Debate: Who's Right?

·      $15 Wage in Fast Food Stirs Debate on Effects

·      In Test for Unions and Politicians, a Nationwide Protest on Pay

First, please define compare and contrast the public interest and interest group theories of government. Please also identify how these two theories relate to the recent minimum wage debate. 

Third, please identify how Feldstein’s theory can explain both the potential passage and denial of a bill which will increase the minimum wage (The elements of Feldstein’s theory must be used in your explanation).

Fourth, identify the cost/cost savings of the implementation/denial of a federal minimum wage increase. Please reference the evidence used in your determination.

 2: Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, the big three categorical programs, comprise almost fifty percent of the federal budget. These programs are significantly different today than they were when they were initially created.

First, discuss in detail how at least two major federal laws changed the financing and delivery of healthcare. 

Second, discuss which external health care environmental factors drove the implementation of each law.

Third, explain the biggest public health challenges facing the environment which was created by these laws. 

Lastly, what solutions would you propose to deal with these challenges?