The millennialization of the sale

This research project examined how the art of selling has been reinvented by three interrelated cultural changes that had a domino effect on each other: technology, globalization, and the millennial generation. In the last several decades, technology has evolved exponentially, and became the most significant catalyst for sprawling globalization. Together, technology and globalization evolved and bred the very unique, millennial generation. In order to better understanding of how businesses sell to this unique generation, the scope of this project was narrowed. A comparative case analysis and SWOT were conducted on four organizations with Wisconsin roots: Johnson Controls, Inc., GE Healthcare, Northwestern Mutual, and Kohl’s. Each company competes in different platforms, industries, and markets. However, they all need to uncover how to sell to the millennial generation in order to sustain in the future. Based on the research, recommendations to sell to this generation include: engage in technology, take a global approach, and assess using the triple bottom line

Employee turnover: contributing factors and retention strategies

Abstrac

The effects of behavior tracking on the compliance of middle school students with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities

This action research project studies the effects of behavior tracking on middle school students with intellectual disabilities. Three middle school students with intellectual disabilities participated in a six week intervention process that included conferencing, goal setting, and behavior tracking

Ruth S. Coleman College of Nursing and Health Sciences Pinning Ceremony - April 2016

Pinning ceremony took place on April 26, 2016.https://digitalcommons.stritch.edu/conhs_pin/1005/thumbnail.jp

Strategic audit of a growth plan: a case study of a national real estate development company

This research project is comprised of a detailed analysis of the strategic growth plan of a national real estate organization located in the Midwest to be called Mainland Properties Company, Inc. In 2013, the company announced a strategic plan to increase the number of apartment units developed annually by over 200% by the year 2018. The analysis was complete to answer the research question “Are the current strategic initiatives appropriate and being implemented successfully to accomplish the organization’s growth plans?” The goal of the project was to determine the effectiveness of the strategic planning process and discuss the appropriateness of the current strategic initiatives. To ascertain the appropriateness of these initiatives, an audit of the organization was conducted. This involved an evaluation of all aspects of Mainland’s internal environment and took into consideration many external factors. This environment includes human resources, development, construction, market research and information technology; the many departments that work together to accomplish the entitlements and permitting of the thousands of apartment units that Mainland develops each year. The audit of these departments was used to measure the health of the organization relative to each department’s ability to create value and enhance the competitive advantage of the organization. The research methodology used was primarily qualitative which allows for a thorough description of the situation. Internal data such as published strategic plans and major issues documents were reviewed as a primary data source. As a current employee of the organization, the researcher was also able to utilize personal observational research to formulate an analysis if the health of the organization. An ex post facto study was utilized in the evaluation of the organizations culture and productivity. The main performance areas researched were recruitment, retention, productivity, profitability, growth and reputation. The thematic analysis methodology was used to decipher a multitude of data gathered by the human resources department of this organization. The data is gathered through various means, including weekly anonymous surveys, challenge meetings and employee interviews. The organization uses this information in considering strategic choices and in the evaluation of the strategic plan. It is also extremely valuable in the evaluation of the organizations culture. Additional, secondary statistical data was collected from reliable publicly available sources. A thematic analysis framework provided a flexible means to describe patterns within the data set and assisted with determination of what is relevant to the research question. The researcher also employed personal judgement and assumptions in the research analysis. The data analyses lead to the selection of an alternative action that recommended reduction of the growth plan goals and incorporation additional strategic initiatives to strengthen the foundation of the organization. The critical results that steered the researcher to the alternative action included the inability to meet some of the organizations yearly goals, an indication of an employee retention problem, a growing negativity potentially linked to struggles with work life balance and a disconnection between strategic management and the information technology systems in the organization. The resulting recommendations for the organization were to improve retention and increase efficiency. Improving retention can be achieved through a culture of transformational leadership and enhanced employee engagement. Efficiency can be increased through effective use of technology and continuous improvement efforts. The culmination of the research project is an argument for an organization to balance the needs of the employees with the needs of the organization. Engagement and development of personnel should be in alignment with an organization’s strategic plan. This alignment will create a cohesive work environment for employees and contribute to overall success. Strong leadership can help energize amazing results even in challenging times. Mainland Properties has accumulated a significant amount of wisdom and know-how in the real estate development industry. The organization must continue to strive for improvement and increased efficiency. Their continued expertise will be invaluable in their pursuit of becoming a major national contender in real estate development

Mixed Methods Research for Improved Scientific Study

The clear division between quantitative and qualitative research methods becomes problematic when students begin conducting extensive research for the first time, often as part of a masters thesis or dissertation. In order to handle such complexities in the selection of research methods, a Mixed Methods Research (MMR) approach is one proposed solution. Mixed Methods Research for Improved Scientific Study seeks to demonstrate how mixed methods research designs can address a wide array of scientific questions across disciplines. Focusing on essential concepts and methods for a hybrid approach to quantitative and qualitative research methods for real-world implementation, this publication is ideally designed for students and researchers interested in refining their research skills as well as educators seeking to integrate research methods coursework into the graduate curriculum.https://digitalcommons.stritch.edu/facultybooks/1011/thumbnail.jp

Making Teachers Better Not Bitter: Balancing Evaluation, Supervision, and Reflection for Professional Growth

In too many districts, evaluation of teachers ensures competence but does little or nothing to encourage and support expertise. In this thought-provoking and groundbreaking book, Tony Frontier and Paul Mielke address this issue head-on, combining the conceptual and the practical by offering a compelling vision of teacher growth, along with nearly three dozen step-by-step protocols for working with teachers. They present a powerful rationale for reconceptualizing teacher evaluation by creating a balanced system of three equally important components: Reliable and valid evaluation. Empoweringand focused supervision. Meaningful and purposeful reflection. Each component is discussed in terms of its purpose, premise, processes, practices, and payoffs. Revealing examples based on the authors\u27 experiences in classrooms across the country show what evaluation, supervision, and reflection look like when they\u27re not done well—and what they could look like if done more effectively. Providing insight and inspiration, Making Teachers Better, Not Bitter paves a clear path to better teaching and helps you acknowledge and support the hard work that teachers do every day to make learning come alive for their students.https://digitalcommons.stritch.edu/facultybooks/1003/thumbnail.jp

The influence of peer review on nursing practice

Purpose: The purpose of this integrative literature review was to identify whether peer review improves nursing practice. Literature was reviewed, analyzed and synthesized to explore the implications peer review has on nursing practice. Design: Integrative review that included a review a quantitative and qualitative research studies and a review of literature that explored the practice of peer review. Methods: Articles published since 2009 that included information on peer review were critically evaluated and reviewed based on the Professional Nursing Standards of the American Nurses Association (ANA) and its definition of nursing peer review. Findings: From the available literature on peer review in nursing, ten studies were analyzed. The majority of the studies reviewed were within both the nursing field and the United States. Peer review was implemented in a variety of ways. Perceptions of peer review, implementation and implications of peer review were outlined in the analyzed studies. Constraints of peer review were lack of time and an inadequate number of staff to support the peer review process. Most participants desired to continue peer review after implementation and some used the process to sculpt future professional endeavors. Conclusions: The interpersonal nature of peer review can foster reflective practice. Communication and collaboration are essential when using peer review. Peer review is a reciprocal process and can facilitate learning from others. The use of standards when completing peer review can assist in measuring the quality of care. Relevance to Nursing Leadership: Understanding the process of peer review and the implications on nursing practice supports the Association Of Nurse Executive (AONE) competencies and the use of the Healthy Work Environment Standards of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)

The effectiveness of interventions to improve comprehension of the informed consent process: A literature review

Purpose: Previous research has been inadequate on determining the influence of interventions on improving the informed consent process. Approximately one-third to one-half of the United States is either illiterate or has low literacy skills. This literature review explores the research on health literacy as it pertains to the informed consent process and interventions designed to improve participant’s comprehension of informed consent documents in which they are signing. Design: An integrated literature review of qualitative and quantitative studies was completed that included research designed to identify interventions to improve informed consent procedures. Methods: Eleven research studies were identified through a search of Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINHAL), Medline, Medline with full text, and Health Source: Nursing Academic Addition databases to search the literature for studies meeting the following criteria: (a) published between January 1, 2008, and January 1, 2016, (b) published in a peer-reviewed journal, (c) written in English, (d) research articles (e) written in full text (f) academic journals (g) assessed participants comprehension and satisfaction with interventions used to simplify the informed consent process. Findings and Conclusion: The results showed that the use of multimedia presentations, simplified consent forms, the teach-back method, fact sheets, question and answer sessions, and information websites were effective in improving comprehension and satisfaction with the informed consent process for literate and low literacy patients. Relevance to Nursing Education: These studies provide important information to guide practice and education in order to improve comprehension and satisfaction with the informed consent process

Effects of trained preceptors on new graduate nurses’ transition to practice: An integrative literature review

Purpose: The purpose of this review was to compare current research related to preceptorship programs with trained preceptors and to determine the effects that trained preceptors have on the transition to practice for new graduate nurses. Design: An integrated literature review was conducted using both quantitative and qualitative peer reviewed research studies on preceptorships in acute care settings. Boychuk Duchscher’s Transition Shock Theory guided this review. Methods: Research published between the years of 2010-2015, was obtained through a structured electronic data search. Findings and conclusions were synthesized into major themes. Findings: Ten studies were analyzed and seven major themes were identified as a result. The themes include the following: turnover, job satisfaction, stress management, critical thinking, work engagement and communication, role development/competence, and confidence. Conclusions: The findings support the integration of a preceptor training program at the institution in which the preceptorship takes place. Relevance to Nursing Education: Current and future preceptor training programs should be created, evaluated, and implemented by the nurse educators at that institution