Week 2 – Assignment
I have selected option 1 Research Paper. Please see attachment of Week 1
Assignment Submitted
Outline and References
Prior to beginning work on this assignment, review the materials in the writing center on
Outlining (Links to an external site.) and Writing a Thesis Statement (Links to an external
site.). Create an outline for your Week 5 Final Project. Your outline should include the
thesis or central argument, along with any main topics and support to be included in your
final project. Include a minimum of three references you plan to use for your final project.
In your paper,
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Create a comprehensive outline that includes headings and subheadings.
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Identify the thesis or central argument in the outline.
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Outline the main topics with support.
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Generate a list of three references you plan to use for your paper.
The Outline and References paper
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Must be two to three double-spaced pages in length (not including title and references pages)
and formatted according to APA Style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center’s APA
Style (Links to an external site.) resource.
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Must include a separate title page with the following:
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Title of paper
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Student’s name
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Course name and number
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Instructor’s name
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Date submitted
For further assistance with the formatting and the title page, refer to APA Formatting for Word
2013 (Links to an external site.).
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Must utilize academic voice. See the Academic Voice (Links to an external site.) resource for
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additional guidance.
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For assistance on writing Introductions & Conclusions (Links to an external site.) as well as
Writing a Thesis Statement (Links to an external site.), refer to the Ashford Writing Center
resources.
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Must use at least three scholarly sources in addition to the course text.
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The Scholarly, Peer-Reviewed, and Other Credible Sources (Links to an external site.) table
offers additional guidance on appropriate source types. If you have questions about
whether a specific source is appropriate for this assignment, please contact your instructor.
Your instructor has the final say about the appropriateness of a specific source for a
particular assignment.
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To assist you in completing the research required for this assignment, view this Ashford
University Library Quick ‘n’ Dirty (Links to an external site.) tutorial, which introduces the
Ashford University Library and the research process, and provides some library search tips.
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Must document any information used from sources in APA Style as outlined in the Ashford
Writing Center’s APA: Citing Within Your Paper (Links to an external site.) guide.
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Must include a separate references page that is formatted according to APA Style as outlined in
the Ashford Writing Center. See the APA: Formatting Your References List (Links to an external
site.) resource in the Ashford Writing Center for specifications.
Week 5 – Final Project
Final Project
Prior to beginning work on the Final Project, you are encouraged to review the required
reading materials. You will have two choices for your final project: a research paper or a
mock service learning project. Regardless of your choice you will be uploading your project
to Portfolium. You are also required to prepare a 5-minute video that summarizes and
explains your project and will be shared to the Week 5 discussion board. Both the video
and the paper are to be uploaded to your ePortfolio in Portfolium, that you previously set
up.
Choose only one of the following projects:
Option 1: Research Paper
For this option, you will select a health and human services topic of interest and prepare a
research paper based on this topic. You will identify a theory or theoretical perspective that
offers insight or explanation regarding your chosen topic and present the results of your
literature-based research, offering conclusions and/or recommendations. For example, you
may want to research current trends in health and human services leadership, and offer
recommendations for leadership approaches that would be effective in health and human
services organizations today. Or you may want to explore the major challenges health and
human services professionals face in delivering services to a chosen population offering
recommendation on how they should be addressed.
In your Research Paper you will
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Identify the selected health a human services topic.
Identify a theory or theoretical perspective that explains your topic.
Present the results of your literature review.
• Draw conclusions and/or make recommendations that address problems in your
topic.
View the Ashford Writing Center’s resource on Writing a Research Paper (Links to an
external site.) for additional support.
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Option 2: Mock Service-Learning Project
You will work with the MHHS Case Study
to identify a service project and will prepare a
paper that addresses one of the issues you have identified in the case. Please note there are
several ideas at the end of the case that you can use or you can suggest one of your own.
The end result of your project might be a series of documents. For example, you may decide
to create a fundraising plan for the organization. Your plan might include a paper
describing each of the fundraising endeavors as well as a fundraising budget.
In your Mock Service-Learning Project you will
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Identify a service project from the MHHS Case Study to explore.
Explain the service project in detail and how it supports the MHHS Case Study.
Identify a theory or theoretical perspective that explains your service project.
Prepare the necessary documents containing conclusions/recommendations that
will support your service project.
A word of caution: You may not repurpose any work you have previously submitted. All of
your work must be original.
Running head: IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP IN HEALTHCARE
The Importance of Leadership in Health Care
HHS497
December 23, 2019
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IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP IN HEALTHCARE
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Option one: Research Paper
The research is based on the importance of leadership in health care. In modern
healthcare centers, effective leadership is prioritized because it minimizes errors and maintains
accuracy in health operations. Effective leadership in healthcare organizations improves patient
health outcomes. Physicians choose leaders who have capabilities of physical capital inputs and
consumables. Leaders in hospitals manage the healthcare budget and ensure health system inputs
maintain high standards (DaCosta, 2012). Leaders identify total financial resources and balance
payments for all health interventions produced. It is the role of leaders in hospitals to budget for
the in-service training of new nurses, investment in healthcare buildings, and purchase any input
that may improve the healthcare services offered in a healthcare center. The role theory provides
an explanation of the importance of leadership in healthcare. Leadership helps improve the
activities of physicians in a healthcare center, and the research will outline the need for effective
leadership in all modern hospitals.
A theory explaining the topic
Role theory provides a description of how professionals should behave in their places of
work. Role theory focuses on normative expectations to elaborate on the importance of social
norms. Social norms influence health physicians to work to meet the demands of their patients.
Role theory motivates health physicians to get equipped with values that enhance their
professional commitment. In modern healthcare centers, leaders understand that physicians vary
in their moral values but should adopt the best practices to ensure they provide satisfactory
healthcare interventions. The application of role theory in healthcare supports the type of
leadership that enhances the quality of life among patients (Biddle, 2013). The role theory
IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP IN HEALTHCARE
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describes the need for division of labor, anticipation of rewards in the workplace, and ways to
resolve social pressures. Aspects addressed by role theory are needed in leadership to ensure
health professionals are rewarded for excellent services in hospitals, and all complexities in
healthcare are effectively managed.
Literature Review
According to Kumar and Khiljee (2016), leadership is needed in healthcare centers to
guide health physicians offer quality services to patients. Both transactional and transformational
leadership are needed in healthcare to enhance positive nursing results and strengthen the
interpersonal relationship between patients and health physicians. Best practices are witnessed in
a hospital with effective leadership. Positive attitudes are developed amongst health physicians
when they work under a caring leader (Kumar & Khiljee, 2016). Leaders needed in healthcare
centers are those emphasizing on operational efficiency and regular changes.
Research by DaCosta (2012) indicates that effective leadership models in healthcare
enhance the sharing of knowledge among physicians. Practical leadership skills are acquired
when physicians collaborate and prioritize multidisciplinary approaches in healthcare centers.
Healthcare organizations change due to the alternation of leadership styles. The commitmentbased approach is taken in a healthcare center whereby all physicians feel they are part of
leadership.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Effective leadership is needed in a healthcare center to improve the quality of health
interventions. In modern hospitals, both transactional and transformational leadership is needed.
IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP IN HEALTHCARE
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Operational efficiency improves when leaders allow all physicians to participate in managerial
operations of the healthcare center. Therefore, I recommend the best leadership in hospitals to
ensure physicians realize the highest level of autonomy. Leadership in healthcare centers should
support the implementation of health information technology. HIT allows physicians to
collaborate when offering medical services. Effective leadership unites health physicians and
gives them an opportunity to trust each other.
IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP IN HEALTHCARE
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References
Biddle, B. J. (2013). Role theory: Expectations, identities, and behaviors. Academic Press.
DaCosta, J. (2012). Leadership models for healthcare improvement. British Journal of
Healthcare Management, 18(11), 575-580.
Kumar, R. D., & Khiljee, N. (2016). Leadership in healthcare. Anaesthesia & Intensive Care
Medicine, 17(1), 63-65.
Case Study
Metropolitan Health and Human Services
History
Metropolitan Health and Human Services (MHHS) is a mid-sized community-based health and human
services organization operating in two suburbs of a large city. MHHS has been in business as at nonprofit 501 (C) 3 for the past 25 years. The organization was founded by a group of three retired
physicians who wanted to address some of the issues in their community. In the early years of the
organization they focused on providing financial assistance to clients unable to pay for medical bills. At
that time, the organization was managed and staffed by the three retired physicians who quickly
realized that they were unable to fulfill their dreams for the organization without help. Within five years
of its inception, the organization was incorporated with its own board of Directors and the first CEO was
hired. This CEO ran the organization for the next 10 years, and grew the organization from one program
to a multi-service organization.
The Mission of MHHS is provide services needed to strengthen families and communities.
The vision is to known as a major catalyst and resource for promoting family and community strengths.
Current Programs of MHHS include:
Financial Assistance: Provides financial assistance to individuals and families that have suffered a
financial crisis and need assistance with paying bills. This program employs one director and one case
manager and represents 5% of the budget expenses. The program is funded through federal and state
grants. The program has been operating at a loss for the past five years.
Medical/Dental Clinic: Provides free preventative medical/dental services to individuals and families
that are either at poverty level or experiencing a financial crisis. The clinic is staffed by volunteer
physicians and dentists. This program employs one director and one case manager and represents 10%
of the budget expenses. There are six active volunteers. The program is funded largely through grants
and community support. The program has been breaking even for the past five years.
Transitional Housing: Provides transitional housing to formerly homeless individuals and families in
community-based apartments and homes. This program employs one director and five case managers,
and represents 10% of the budget expenses. The program is funded largely through federal grants. The
program has been operating at a loss for the past five years.
Counseling: Provides counseling services to any individual or family needing assistance. This program
employs one director and five counselors, and represents 5% of the budget expenses. The program is
funded through client and insurance payments as well as payments from other programs within the
organization. The program provides services to all the programs within the organization and has been
operating at surplus for the past five years.
Educational Services: Provides an alternative education to adolescents unable to attend their own
school due to behavioral or emotional issues. This program employs one principal, two teachers and two
teacher aides and represents 5% of the budget expenses. The program is funded by tuition payments.
The program was previously operating with a surplus but in the last five years it has declined and is
operating at a significant loss.
Foster Care: Contracts with the State to license and provide foster care services to wards of the State.
This program employs one director, 10 supervisors, 80 case managers, and 10 case aides, and represents
55% of the budget expenses. The program is funded by the State. The program is considered the “cash
cow” of the organization and is operating at a surplus.
Violence Prevention Programs: The programs provided prevention education services that target the
prevention of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault. The program employs one director and
three prevention educators. They also use volunteers and interns. The program represents 10% of the
budget expenses. The program is funded through State and Federal grants and some community-based
fundraising. The program is operating at a surplus.
Administrative Expenses are 10% of the organizations budget expenses.
About the community:
MHHS operates in two communities and has offices in both locations. Their main headquarters is in a
large middle to upper middle-class suburban community about 30 miles from the large City.
Demographics:
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White – 76%
Asian – 15%
Hispanic or Latino – 4%
Black -5%
Median Age: 35
Median Family Income: $127,000
Median Household Income: $109,000
Housing Value: $378,000
Average Contract Rent: $1,300
Persons in Poverty: 4%
The second location for MHHS is in a neighboring, lower middle-class community about 40 miles from
the City.
Demographics:
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White – 27%
Asian – 3%
Hispanic or Latino -40%
Black -20%
Median Age: 33
Median Family Income: $50,000
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Median Household Income: $42,000
Housing Value: $150,000
Average Contract Rent: $900.00
Persons in Poverty: 22%
Demographics of Clients Served:
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30% White
40% Hispanic of Latino
28% Black
2% Asian
The current organizational chart for MHHS is attached.
Current Size of Organization
The organization has an operating budget of eight million dollars. The main office is located in the upper
to middle-class community and houses all of the administrative staff. Some of the services provided out
of this office include financial assistance and counseling.
The remaining services are provided out of the office in the second location.
A new CEO has been recently hired and has identified some of the major issues the organization is
facing.
Current Issues
1. In the past 10-years the organization has changed leadership 4 times. Only one CEO has stayed
longer than three years. The other three have left within one year of hire. The new CEO is the
first female the organization has ever had in a leadership role.
2. The board of directors is unclear of what their role is and often gets involved in day to day issues
within the organization
3. There has been a decline in funding for financial assistance the organization.
4. The Medical/Dental clinic director has difficulty getting volunteers for the program and is unable
to meet the needs of the clients being referred to the program. He has stated he just does not
know how to recruit physicians and dentists to work in the program.
5. A client in the transitional housing program burglarized several apartments in his building and
this has created a crisis for the CEO who must now respond to the community.
6. The Educational Services Director has just been informed that the schools referring to his
program will not be using their program next year as they plan to offer these services within
their setting. They have asked the organization leadership to assist them in getting started.
7. The State leadership has told MHHS leadership that they can no longer use foster care surpluses
to fund other programs within the organization.
8. Case load sizes for foster care workers exceed 25 clients and case workers are starting to
complain that it is impossible to do an effective job even with the assistance of the case aides.
9. The Director of the Violence Prevention Programs has been very successful at raising funds for
her programs due to coordinating two major special events a year. She is frustrated that the
surplus money she raises is being used elsewhere in the organization.
10. The CEO believes the organization should be restructured allowing for fewer direct reports to
her.
11. The organization operates in Silos with very little interaction between programs (other than the
counseling program)
12. The organization relies heavily on government funding.
13. The organization is facing a budget shortfall for the second year in a row.
14. There is no training program in the organization and as a result staff in programs all do things
their way rather than in a consistent manner.
15. Record keeping of client services within programs is inconsistent. There are no policies and
procedures on how records should be kept nor are there forms available to staff to use when
providing services to their clients.
16. The staff lacks diversity with 90% of the staff being white, 5% African American and 5% Hispanic.
75% of the staff are females yet 90% of the directors (other than the CEO) are males. There is
no training on cultural diversity.
17. About 10% of the clients serve speak only Spanish and the organization does not have any
Spanish speaking staff. They rely on the client’s children or other relatives to translate for them.
18. A parent of a child being served In the educational program has complained to the Principal that
her child is being bullied because he is gay. The school staff are dismissing the complaint stating
the child is just overly sensitive.
The organization has been provided an anonymous gift of 300,000 to address the challenges they face.
You will be selecting a project to do during the duration of this class. You can propose your own
project or use one of the suggested ideas below.
Possible Project ideas:
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Reorganize/restructure the organization with a clear designation of roles and responsibilities
from the top down. Include an organizational chart using a program like Pingboard. Suggest
what programs might be eliminated and/or merged. Re-create vision and mission statements
and suggest and justify training for each role within the organization.
Develop a comprehensive fund development plan/program. Include how this program will be
managed and led
Develop of comprehensive training program including orientation to the organization and
program specific training.
Choose a program and develop a program specific record keeping plan with forms and
explanations of how to use the forms.
From a human services provider perspective analyze the challenges you would face in working in
one of the programs in this organization. Include the program you would work in and the
challenge you would face at all levels on both a professional and personal level. Develop a plan
to address these challenges.
Develop a comprehensive plan to implement culturally sensitive practices within the
organization. Include in the plan a recruitment and retention strategy for a more diverse
workforce.
Suggest a project of your own based on the case study.
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Formatting
Title Page
Citation
Outline
