PART I This activity will help prepare you for the assignment in Week 3. For this activity, you will choose an organization to research and create questions to ask as part of that research. INSTRUCTIONS Your Week 3 assignment ask you to research the financial condition for a specific healthcare organization of your choice. You will need to submit a Microsoft Word document with each of the following: Use the Strayer Library?or another verified source?to identify a healthcare organization of interest. This should be 1–2 sentences that clearly identify the chosen healthcare organization and provide a high-level overview of what kind of organization it is and who the organization serves. You will want to be sure there is plenty of information available about the organization, particularly financial information. This means you’ll likely need to choose a large organization that is required to make financials public. To gain a better understanding of the financial condition of your chosen healthcare organization, its budget preparation process, and fiscal planning strategies, you will develop five questions that you will answer as part of your research. Ideally, these would be questions you would ask a management official responsible for the financial planning for the organization. Provide a rationale for the questions you chose. Think about questions that will give you insight into what the company looks for when preparing their yearly budget, their fiscal planning strategies, and how they monitor their financial condition throughout the year and make adjustments as needed. Note: You may also choose to use these questions to interview a financial manager within a healthcare organization. The interview would then be the source of your information instead of the research. PART 2 Week 2 activity, you selected a healthcare organization and developed five research questions related to the financial management of the organization. For this assignment, you will find the answer to those question and report your findings. INSTRUCTIONS Using the healthcare organization you identified in the Week 2 activity, use the- Strayer Library and other reputable sources to locate publicly available financial information that will provide you with the answers to the five questions you developed in Week 2.You will then write a three-page paper in which you include each of the following parts: Develop an introduction to your chosen healthcare organization. The name of the selected organization and background information, such as its location, size, focus, services provided, demographics of patients served, for-profit or nonprofit status, et cetera. Indicate whether the organization has a separate finance or business department and, if so, who is responsible for the department. Any other information that may help explain the chosen organization. For example, is it unique in how its finances are managed? If so, how? Develop research-based answers to the five previously created questions. A response to each of the five questions you created in Week 2. This should include specific information pertaining to the chosen healthcare organization’s budget preparation process, fiscal planning strategies, and how the financial condition of the organization is routinely monitored and corrective actions are taken when necessary. Assess any differences and similarities between what you have learned from the textbook, videos, and other readings with what you have learned in your research. This is the part of the paper where you assess any differences between what you have learned in this course and what is reflected in your research. This is also an opportunity to identify connections between cost and quality and explore the interplay of performance improvement, regulatory compliance, provider relationships, and payors. Keep in mind that the background and context of the organization play a role in how these pieces fit together. This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. For assistance and information, please refer to the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left-hand menu of your course. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. RESOURCES There are a few ways to access public information on healthcare organizations. Google Operator Search: You can use symbols or specific words in your Google search to make results more precise. For healthcare organizations’ finances: If your chosen healthcare organization has a website of www.communityhospital.org, you would use the following search to look within their website for financials: site:communityhospital.org ‘financial statements’ To narrow your search even further, you could add filetype: to the end of your search to look for specific files. For example, filetype:pdf. EMMA: EMMA (Electronic Municipal Market Access) is a great resource for locating reports on large nonprofit hospitals. Simply use the ‘browse issuers’ at the top, and then click on the state your hospital is located in. From there is populated list of bond issuers within the state. Many of them are just the city name, but it is easiest to put the word health in the ‘Search within this list:’ box to narrow it to bond issuers for hospitals. On the next page in the same search box, you can put the name of your hospital and you will select the most recent result. This will take you to a page with different tabs containing financial information. EDGAR Report: All companies are required to fill out periodic EDGAR reports through the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. This applies to public, for-profit organizations. You can learn more about the reports, how to read them, and how to access them at the SEC’s Filings & Forms. GuideStar: GuideStar offers a way to look for finances from nonprofit healthcare organizations.

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.