Hi, please, read and contribute/comment on peer discussion in 100 words minimum with at least 2 to 3 credible references in APA style. Peer 1 Analyzing and tracking financial ratios is an imperative practice within the healthcare industry. Financial ratios indicates the movement of operating costs, manage cash flow and provide a baseline for analyzing profitability. Tracking ratios can be effective for all types of practices, from small private practice to large hospital systems. (Lazzari, 2018) There are several different types of ratios that the healthcare industry utilizes to measure their organizations financial assets such as: Operating Margin Operating EBITDA margin Days Cash on Hand Debt to Capitalization Capital Spending Ratios Operating margin ratios measures how much profit a company makes on a dollar of sales after paying for variable costs of production, such as wages and raw materials, but before paying interest or tax. (Hayes, 2021) It shows how efficiently an organization is able to generate profit through its basic operations and it is often referred to as return of sales (ROS) which basically shows how well an organization is managing profitably. (Hayes, 2021) Operating EBITDA ( Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) is the percentage of a companies revenue that measures the company operating profit. If an organization knows its EBITDA margin, it is more capable of gaining a comparison of it’s performance compared to other organizations within the healthcare industry. EBITDA focuses more on its essentials like, operating profitability and cash flow. (Chen, 2021) Days Cash on Hand is the number of days an organization can utilize actual cash to pay for the expenses from the day to day operations. If there is not any money coming in from investors, federal/state funding, r cash flow from sales, an organization will have to use the cash they have left to operate their business. Debt to Capitalization is basically the debt of an organization compared to it’s overall equity. It is an organization’s long-term debt divided by the sum of long-term debt and unrestricted net assets. (Becker’s Hospital Review, 2013) Capital Spending Ratio measures the organization’s level of capital expenditures as a percentage of annual depreciation expense. (Hospaccx, 2019) References Becker’s Hospital Review. (2013, Jone 10). 11 Statistics on Hospital Debt-to-Capitalization Ratios. Retrieved from https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/11-statistics-on-hospital-debt-to-capitalization-ratios.html James Chen. EBITDA Margin. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/ebitda-margin.asp Adam Hayes. (2021, September 12). Operating Margin. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/terms/o/operatingmargin.asp Hospaccx Healthcare Business Consultancy. (2019, Jul 19). 4 Key Financial Ratios Healthcare Providers Should Track. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/4-key-financial-ratios-healthcare-providers-should-hospaccx Peer 2 Financial performance is measured in a variety of ways. Ratio is one way to measure performance and operations. The use of ratios measurements provides creditable analysis, and the number must be considered in context of operation not a stand-alone number (American Institute for Healthcare Management [AMIH], 2022). AMIH (2022) provided three types of ratios utilized in business which are: Liquidity Ratios: reflects the organization ability to meet current obligations. Solvency Ratios: ability to pay annual interest and principal obligations. Profitability Ratios: reflects the total liabilities/unrestricted fund balance. Calculation these ratios provides insight on the financial status of a business among other financial management procedures. Reiter and Song (2021) describes two processes to evaluate and analyze financial profit by explaining that Price/Earnings (P/E) shows what investors are willing to pay per dollar of reported profits and Market/Book Ratio which is the ratio of a stock’s market price compared to its book value. Numbers gathered by this analysis provides a picture on the business trajectory and stakeholders information for investing in the business or not. The Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services tracks healthcare expenditures with metrics provided by the organizations. Information on gains and loss are determined by the reports. The Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies to submit data that indicates what portion of the revenues were spent on clinical services and quality improvement, this process is known as the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR). MLR rules requires the healthcare organizations to issue rebates to enrollees if the percentage does not meet minimum standards, requiring insurance company to spend at least 80-85% of premium dollars on medical rate (CMS, 2021). Ratios is important is determining profit, quality and improvement of organization. References https://www.amihm.org/financial-and-operating-rati… https://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Programs-and-Initiatives/Health-Insurance-Market-Reforms/Medical-Loss-Ratio Kristin L. Reiter, & Paula H. Song. (2021). Gapenski’s Healthcare Finance: An Introduction to Accounting and Financial Management, Seventh Edition: Vol. Seventh edition. Health Administration Press.

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.