6051 Week 7 Assignment

To Prepare

• Review the What Is Intersectionality? video in the Learning Resources. Reflect on intersectionality and what it might look like for clients you meet in practice.
• Access the Social Work Case Studies media in the Learning Resources and explore Crystal’s case.

By Day 7

Submit a 3-page paper in which you address the following:

• Identify the dimensions of identity present in the case.
• Explain how these dimensions overlap and intersect to compound experiences of oppression.
• Explain how you would approach the case as a social worker. How would you intervene or empower the client?
• Would you explore social class as a contributor to the client’s experience—why or why not? Does class matter?

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6210 Week 9 Assignment

Assignment: Spirituality and Social Work Practice 6210 Week 9

Because it may be a significant part of a client’s social environment, spirituality plays a vital role in your understanding of the client, their needs, and potential treatment. Consider this example: A social worker recognizes a client’s strong Baptist faith; the social worker then facilitates services through the Baptist Church so as to build on an already established connection.

Being culturally sensitive by respecting your clients’ spirituality and religious traditions is an important professional competence. Applying your spiritual awareness to a specific client case, however, may require even greater skill. In this Assignment, you consider how you might address a client’s crisis that includes a spiritual or religious component.

To Prepare:

• Access the      Social Work Case Studies media in the Learning Resources and explore the      case of Najeeb.

By Day 02/28/2022

Submit a 3- to 4-page paper analyzing the case and applying your perspective on spirituality. Be sure to address the following:

• As a social      worker, would you include spirituality and religion in your initial      assessment of Najeeb? Why or why not?
• What strategies      might you use to ensure that your personal values would not influence your      practice with Najeeb? How would these strategies support ethical practice?
• How would you      address the crisis that Najeeb is experiencing?

Use the Learning Resources to support your analysis. Make sure to provide APA citations and a reference list.

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Required Readings

Zastrow, C. H., Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hessenauer, S. L. (2019). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.

· Chapter 3, “Spotlight on Diversity: Relate Human Diversity to Psychological Theories” (pp. 112–114)

· Chapter 7, Sections “Review Fowler’s Theory of Faith Development,” “Critical Thinking: Evaluation of Fowler’s Theory,” and “Social Work Practice and Empowerment Through Spiritual Development” (pp. 339–342)

· Chapter 15, “Highlight 15.2: “Celebration of Life Funerals” (pp. 694–696)

Limb, G. E., Hodge, D. R., Ward, K., Ferrell, A., & Alboroto, R. (2018). Developing cultural competence with LDS clients: Utilizing spiritual genograms in social work practice. Journal of Religion and Spirituality in Social Work, 37(2), 166–181. https://doi.org/10.1080/15426432.2018.1448033

Oxhandler, H. K., Polson, E. C., & Achenbaum, W. A. (2018). The religiosity and spiritual beliefs and practices of clinical social workers: A national survey. Social Work, 63(1), 47–56. https://doi.org/10.1093/SW/SWX055

Pomeroy, E. C., Hai, A. H., & Cole, A. H., Jr. (2021). Social work practitioners’ educational needs in developing spiritual competency in end-of-life care and grief. Journal of Social Work Education, 57(2), 264–286. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2019.1670306

Roh, S., Burnette, C. E., & Lee, Y.-S. (2018). Prayer and faith: Spiritual coping among American Indian women cancer survivors. Health and Social Work, 43(3), 185–192. https://doi.org/10.1093/hsw/hly015

Document: Life Span Interview (PDF)

Required Media

Walden University, LLC. (2021). Social work case studies [Interactive media]. Walden University Blackboard. https://class.waldenu.edu

· Navigate to Najeeb.

Follow Rubric

Submit a 3- to 4-page paper analyzing the case and applying your perspective on spirituality. Be sure to address the following: As a social worker, would you include spirituality and religion in your initial assessment of Najeeb? Why or why not?

15.75 (22.5%) – 17.5 (25%)

Response meets expectations and exceeds by synthesizing evidence from two or more scholarly sources to justify the position.

What strategies might you use to ensure that your personal values would not influence your practice with Najeeb? How would these strategies support ethical practice? 18.9 (27%) – 21 (30%)

Response meets expectations and exceeds by describing three or more strategies and/or clearly connecting each strategy to the Code of Ethics. Explanation draws on details and examples from the Learning Resources, peer-reviewed research, or other relevant sources. Two or more scholarly resources are used to support the response.

How would you address the crisis that Najeeb is experiencing?

18.9 (27%) – 21 (30%)

Response meets expectations and exceeds through details and examples from the Learning Resources, peer-reviewed research, or other relevant sources. Two or more scholarly resources are used to support the response.

Writing

9.45 (13.5%) – 10.5 (15%)

Paper meets length requirements, meets expectations, is generally error free (two or fewer), and further exceeds by showcasing an exemplary scholarly voice to develop its message or communicate ideas. Paper appropriately paraphrases sources, using one or less quotes. Presents polished APA Style. Citations, reference list, and paper formatting are generally error free (two or fewer). Tone and presentation of ideas are free from bias and objective, unless otherwise directed in the prompt.

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Assignment: Spirituality and Social Work Practice 6210 Week 9

 

Because it may be a significant part of a client’s social environment, spirituality plays a vital role in your understanding of the client, their needs, and potential treatment. Consider this example: A social worker recognizes a client’s strong Baptist faith; the social worker then facilitates services through the Baptist Church so as to build on an already established connection.

Being culturally sensitive by respecting your clients’ spirituality and religious traditions is an important professional competence. Applying your spiritual awareness to a specific client case, however, may require even greater skill. In this Assignment, you consider how you might address a client’s crisis that includes a spiritual or religious component.

 

To Prepare:

• Access the Social Work Case Studies media in the Learning Resources and explore the case of Najeeb.

By Day 02/28/2022

 

Submit a 3- to 4-page paper analyzing the case and applying your perspective on spirituality. Be sure to address the following:

• As a social worker, would you include spirituality and religion in your initial assessment of Najeeb? Why or why not?
• What strategies might you use to ensure that your personal values would not influence your practice with Najeeb? How would these strategies support ethical practice?
• How would you address the crisis that Najeeb is experiencing?

 

Use the Learning Resources to support your analysis. Make sure to provide APA citations and a reference list.

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Required Readings

Zastrow, C. H., Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hessenauer, S. L. (2019). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.

• Chapter 3, “Spotlight on Diversity: Relate Human Diversity to Psychological Theories” (pp. 112–114)
• Chapter 7, Sections “Review Fowler’s Theory of Faith Development,” “Critical Thinking: Evaluation of Fowler’s Theory,” and “Social Work Practice and Empowerment Through Spiritual Development” (pp. 339–342)
• Chapter 15, “Highlight 15.2: “Celebration of Life Funerals” (pp. 694–696)

Limb, G. E., Hodge, D. R., Ward, K., Ferrell, A., & Alboroto, R. (2018). Developing cultural competence with LDS clients: Utilizing spiritual genograms in social work practice. Journal of Religion and Spirituality in Social Work, 37(2), 166–181. https://doi.org/10.1080/15426432.2018.1448033

 

Oxhandler, H. K., Polson, E. C., & Achenbaum, W. A. (2018). The religiosity and spiritual beliefs and practices of clinical social workers: A national survey. Social Work, 63(1), 47–56. https://doi.org/10.1093/SW/SWX055

 

Pomeroy, E. C., Hai, A. H., & Cole, A. H., Jr. (2021). Social work practitioners’ educational needs in developing spiritual competency in end-of-life care and grief. Journal of Social Work Education, 57(2), 264–286. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2019.1670306

 

Roh, S., Burnette, C. E., & Lee, Y.-S. (2018). Prayer and faith: Spiritual coping among American Indian women cancer survivors. Health and Social Work, 43(3), 185–192. https://doi.org/10.1093/hsw/hly015

 

Document: Life Span Interview (PDF)

 

Required Media

Walden University, LLC. (2021). Social work case studies [Interactive media]. Walden University Blackboard. https://class.waldenu.edu

• Navigate to Najeeb.

 

Follow Rubric

 

Submit a 3- to 4-page paper analyzing the case and applying your perspective on spirituality. Be sure to address the following: As a social worker, would you include spirituality and religion in your initial assessment of Najeeb? Why or why not?

15.75 (22.5%) – 17.5 (25%)

Response meets expectations and exceeds by synthesizing evidence from two or more scholarly sources to justify the position.

 

What strategies might you use to ensure that your personal values would not influence your practice with Najeeb? How would these strategies support ethical practice? 18.9 (27%) – 21 (30%)

Response meets expectations and exceeds by describing three or more strategies and/or clearly connecting each strategy to the Code of Ethics. Explanation draws on details and examples from the Learning Resources, peer-reviewed research, or other relevant sources. Two or more scholarly resources are used to support the response.

 

 

 

 

How would you address the crisis that Najeeb is experiencing?

18.9 (27%) – 21 (30%)

Response meets expectations and exceeds through details and examples from the Learning Resources, peer-reviewed research, or other relevant sources. Two or more scholarly resources are used to support the response.

 

Writing

9.45 (13.5%) – 10.5 (15%)

Paper meets length requirements, meets expectations, is generally error free (two or fewer), and further exceeds by showcasing an exemplary scholarly voice to develop its message or communicate ideas. Paper appropriately paraphrases sources, using one or less quotes. Presents polished APA Style. Citations, reference list, and paper formatting are generally error free (two or fewer). Tone and presentation of ideas are free from bias and objective, unless otherwise directed in the prompt.

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6210 Week 3 Discussion 1 & 2 Response

Discussion – Week 3 Discussion 1 & 2Top of Form

Discussion 1: Mental Health and the Family

The unique pressures of young and middle adulthood—financial and career ambitions, building a family, caring for older relatives—can contribute to mental health and substance use issues. It is important to remember that these issues affect not only the individual but also loved ones living in the same home such as partners and children.

In cases of mental health and substance use, social workers can use psychoeducation with family members to provide information about a mental health issue and treatment. When using this intervention, social workers must adapt it to the specific family members, accommodating their cognitive level and age.

For this Discussion, you analyze a case in which a returning soldier, who is also a husband and father, experiences mental health symptoms resulting from combat.

By 12/18/2021
Respond to two colleagues by critiquing their strategies for applying psychoeducation and providing suggestions for how to approach the situation differently. Additionally, share at least one community resource in your area that could help Marcus and his family.

Use the Learning Resources to support your posts. Make sure to provide APA citations and a reference list.

Discussion 1 Colleagues1: Kenchelle Wells

In what ways has trauma impacted Marcus’s daily functioning? Trauma can occur to anyone and at any time and this is especially true for military families (Herzog et al,2020). Marcus’s trauma comes from him being deployed multiple times in battle zones overseas. His daily functioning has been tremendously impacted because of the deployments. He is having issues adjusting to daily life since returning home. Marcus is having a hard time connecting with his wife and son the way he would like to. He loves his wife but doesn’t know how to connect with her anymore and he also is having a hard time being an attentive father. Marcus is also having a hard time staying motivated in life. He wants to find employment and continue his education, but he just can’t find it within himself to do those things that he has a desire to do. Marcus’s trauma also has him staring off into space at times, as well as difficulty sleeping because of nightmares. He has lost weight and feels as though as he has a short fuse and could go off at a moment’s notice.

Describe how you as the social worker would integrate elements of psychoeducation with Marcus and his family. 

As the social worker to Marcus and his family the elements of psychoeducation that I would integrate would be trauma-informed care. Trauma-informed care also known as TIC, “can be conceptualized as the contextual framework in which trauma impacted individuals are treated” (Herzog et al, 2020). The goal of working with Marcus and his family is to get them both to understand how the other is feeling and how to work together to help the other. In order to do this, each person must identify that there is trauma in their lives. Once this has been accepted by everyone than I can move on to helping them with what they are going through. Educating Marcus and his family on what he is going through and how it affects him as well as them is key to their treatment.

How would you adapt psychoeducation for the cognitive level of the family member? 

I would use psychoeducation to make sure that the family is informed on what can happen when a person goes through the type of trauma, like Marcus has been through. Making sure that his wife is informed on how to deal with trauma will help her when she sees Marcus losing focus or feeling unmotivated. If she knows what to look for then she will be able to help him on his treatment journey. She may also need counseling as well. I would suggest both individual and group therapy. That way she can hear from individuals who are going through the same thing that she is.

Herzog, J.R., Whitworth, J.D., &Scott, D.L. (2020). Trauma informed care with military populations. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 30(3), 265-278. https://doi.org/10.1080/10911359.2019.1679693

Walden University, LLC. (2021). Social work case studies [Interactive media]. https://class.waldenu.edu Bottom of Form

Discussion 1 Colleagues 2: Tamika Dukes

RE: Discussion 1 – Week 3

Top of Form

Military life can be stressful. The transition from the military into civilian life poses significant and predictable challenges for military families (Sherman, M. D., & Larsen, J. L. (2018).). The social environment of the military changed the psychological functioning for Marcus. After arriving home after an extended period, he felt different because he had gotten used to the harsh conditions. He was finding it hard to adjust to a domestic wife. He did not feel the emotional attachment with his wife that he had previously had, even though he still loved her. He also did not pay much attention to his son.  Instead of Marcus going to look for a job or enroll in a course, he spent most of the time smoking cigarettes thinking about his past life. He also found it difficult to sleep, lost his appetite, and reported feeling constantly nervous. The battlefield trauma left deep emotional scars that impact their ability to function in civilian life. He also was involved in an explosion caused by improvised explosive devices where he got injuries of the ear and mild traumatic brain injury which affected him psychologically.

Military members, veterans, and their families will often not understand the proper sources and etiology of the trauma symptoms they are experiencing (Herzog, J., Everson, B., & Whitworth, J. (2011).  A psychoeducation program will be essential to help the military members and their families understand the valid sources and etiology of the symptoms of trauma experienced by Marcus. When this psychoeducation is done in a military-culturally sensitive, human-centered, and relationship-focused manner, it has been found to help these clients build resiliency as they respond to their trauma experience(s) (Whitworth, 2016). they can cope with the symptoms, and also the program will also help them not to blame themselves for the difficulties they are experiencing. The program will also enable Marcus to explain their responses. It will make him understand the connection between the traumatic experiences in the military and the symptoms. The symptoms can be transformative, and they can facilitate healing. The psycho-educational program must focus on the sensitivity of the military culture; it should be human-centered, meaning that it has to focus on the physical, culture, and the society where Marcus and his wife come from. The family will finally be able to build resiliency as they respond to the experience of trauma. (Zastrow, 2019)

References

Herz. Herzog, J.R., Whitworth, J.D., Scott, D.L. (2020). Trauma Informed care with military   population https://doi.org/10.1080/10911359.2019.1679693

Sherman, M. D., & Larsen, J. L. (2018). Family-focused interventions and resources for veterans and their families. Psychological Services, 15(2), 146–153.  https://doi.org/10.1037/ser0000174

Zastrow, C., Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hessenauer, S. L. (2018). Empowerment Series: Understanding Human Behavior and the Social Environment (11th Edition). Cengage Learning US. https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781337670722

Discussion 2: Characteristics of Midlife Crises

Picture someone standing in the middle of a bridge. First, they look back at where they have been and what they have done along the way to that point; then they look forward, seeing what little space they have left to travel and considering the extent they will be able to make the journey meaningful. If the bridge represents life, the person stuck in the middle, in a period of uncertainty and evaluation, is someone in a midlife crisis.

The phenomenon is often portrayed in popular media: a middle-aged man buys a sportscar, has an extramarital affair, and begins socializing with the younger generation. But what exactly is a “midlife crisis,” and why does it occur? While some researchers question the term, stating that such crises are not necessarily limited to midlife, it is believed to be experienced by a sizable segment of the population. However, the crisis may look different from person to person.

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By 12/17/2021
Respond to two colleagues by respectfully agreeing or disagreeing with their characterization of a midlife crisis. Also offer additional insight about how social workers can help people through midlife crises.

Use the Learning Resources to support your posts. Make sure to provide APA citations and a reference list.

Discussion 2 Colleagues 1: Mamie Jackson

“Signs of a midlife crisis can range from mild to severe, including Exhaustion, boredom, or discontentment with life or with a lifestyle (including people and things) that previously provided fulfillment. Frantic energy; feeling restless and wanting to do something completely different.” (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/midlife/).

Many people between the ages of 45-65 tend to have the experience of feeling like they have not accomplished everything they wanted to in their time here on the earth. And many of them are experiencing children leaving the nest- or becoming empty nester. Some may feel unhappy with their jobs, unvalidated in their marriages, and begin thinking about the impending growing old stages, and eventual loss of much of their independence, after retirement.

Men tend to want to experience being younger and may begin to work out more- buy a sports car or a flashier car – and may even begin an affair with a younger woman.

Women tend to have more mood swings, anxiety, weigh loss or gain, depression, sleep issues, and may withdraw from their regular routines.

“A midlife crisis often involves mood irregularities (notably increased anger or irritability, anxiety, or sadness), weight loss or gain, sleep disruption, and withdrawal from the regular routine and relationships. People experiencing the middle-age slump generally have an urgent desire to make some drastic change.”

(https://www.psychologytoday.com/).

Some psychological and social factors of a midlife crisis tend to be brought on by factors such as life changing events- divorce, job loss, the death of a loved one, or moving or relocating to a new city or town. Psychologically this is a period of transition- when a person is still trying to hold on to their younger selves- while facing the aging process of growing old. “Socially and emotionally, the middle-aged brain is calmer, less neurotic, more capable of managing emotions, and better able to negotiate social situations.” (Phillips, 2011). Other physical symptoms may include a change in sleeping habits, feeling tired or hopeless, anxiety or irritable, feeling helpless or worthless. (https://www.webmed.com).

Social workers can help clients going through midlife crisis- by showing compassion while their client is going though such difficult times. Working to help the client to prioritize the positive things in their lives, and work to practice positive thinking, being mindful of how they speak to others, especially their spouse- and to work on their mental health- though counseling or medication to help with their depression and anxiety.

Discussion 2 Colleagues2: McKayla Drew Top of Form

Levinson believed in the concept of “life structure,” where “a person’s life structure shapes and is shaped by the person’s interaction with the environment” (Zastrow et al., 2019). Levinson also believed that a midlife crisis was a normal part of development as a person becomes more aware of how much time has passed by and how much time is left (Levinson, 1978). Specific characteristics that can occur during a midlife crisis include depression, fatigue, hopelessness, anxiety, irritability, helplessness, worthlessness, and restlessness (GoodTherapy, 2019). Physical, psychological, and emotional changes can occur during middle adulthood among men and women (Zastrow et al., 2019). Since middle adulthood generally ranges from thirty to sixty-five years of age, changing levels of testosterone and estrogen impacts an individual both physically and mentally (Zastrow et al., 2019). With varying physiological and psychological changes with aging for men and women, midlife crises have different characteristics in different genders (Zastrow et al., 2019).

Men and women both experience biological changes as they age, which will impact their social and emotional functioning. For example, men will go through male climacteric around forty to fifty years of age (Zastrow et al., 2019). As testosterone levels start to decrease in the male body, they will begin to experience physical and psychological changes (Zastrow et al., 2019). During this time, men will begin to reevaluate their life choices (Zastrow et al., 2019). A prominent part of male climacteric is due to depression brought on by a fear of aging (Zastrow et al., 2019). Men may also experience divorce, affairs, accidents, substance abuse, alcohol abuse, self-harm, suicide, high financial spending, and career changes as well (Zastrow et al., 2019). Women will also experience female climacteric, more commonly known as menopause (Zastrow et al., 2019). Menopause usually occurs around the age of fifty but can occur earlier or later depending on genetics (Zastrow et al., 2019). As estrogen levels begin to decrease in the female body, they will also start to experience physical and psychological changes. During this time, women will experience physical effects like hot flashes. Women can also feel psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, low self-worth, lack of fulfillment, and no longer feeling needed (Zastrow et al., 2019). If both men and women are emotionally accepting of their respective climacteric phases, their negative social and emotional feelings will be far less (Zastrow et al., 2019).

A social worker can help individuals navigate a midlife crisis by using empowerment and a strengths-based approach. Assisting an individual to recognize all of the successes they have experienced could help to reduce negative self-thought. An additional option could include group therapy sessions so that this individual does not feel alone while going through this new phase in their life. A social worker can also educate clients on the physiological changes that their body is going through and help them establish proper primary medical care if they do not have any.

References

GoodTherapy. (2019). Midlife crisis. Therapy for Midlife Crisis. Retrieved from https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/midlife-crisis

Levinson, D. J. (1978). The seasons of a man’s life: With Charlotte N. Darrow A. O. Knopf.

Zastrow, C. H., Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hessenauer, S. L.  (2019). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (11th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

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FOLLOW RUBRIC 

Initial Posting: Content

14.85 (49.5%) – 16.5 (55%)

Initial posting thoroughly responds to all parts of the Discussion prompt. Posting demonstrates excellent understanding of the material presented in the Learning Resources, as well as ability to apply the material. Posting demonstrates exemplary critical thinking and reflection, as well as analysis of the weekly Learning Resources. Specific and relevant examples and evidence from at least two of the Learning Resources and other scholarly sources are used to substantiate the argument or viewpoint.

Follow-Up Response Postings: Content

6.75 (22.5%) – 7.5 (25%)

Student thoroughly addresses all parts of the response prompt. Student responds to at least two colleagues in a meaningful, respectful manner that promotes further inquiry and extends the conversation. Response presents original ideas not already discussed, asks stimulating questions, and further supports with evidence from assigned readings. Post is substantive in both length (75–100 words) and depth of ideas presented.

Readability of Postings

5.4 (18%) – 6 (20%)

Initial and response posts are clear and coherent. Few if any (less than 2) writing errors are made. Student writes with exemplary grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation to convey their message.

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Discussion 1 – Week 3 My Discussion

Discussion 1: Mental Health and the Family

 

Mental health

Due to the explosives and combat that Marcus was exposed to, his mental wellbeing was affected. In addition, during the explosions, Marcus experienced a traumatic brain injury. Through these traumatic events, his mental wellbeing was affected, which is why he started feeling distant from his wife and being an unattentive father with his son. The social environment experienced during his deployment left him with post-trauma due to the horrible things that happened, such as the bl; arts and the wounds caused by the shrapnel from the improvised explosive devices. Trauma has harmed life of Marcus. Firstly he had a goal to continue with education and employment. When he returned, the motivation to chase these dreams disappeared (Curwen et al., 2018). This is because his mind was carried away by events, his deployment experiences, and the trauma he was experiencing. Due to trauma, although he loved his wife, he felt disconnected from her, and also, he was unattentive to his son. He spent most of his time smoking cigarettes on his back porch and staring at the space. He also had nightmares and lost sleep as the post-traumatic stress.

As a social worker, I would try to inform Marcus on his evaluation areas, such as neurological and physical education. Due to his history of traumatic brain injury, I would ensure he gets examined to rule out the probability of behavioral and cognitive complications. Afterward, I would use cognitive behavioral therapy to evaluate the intrusive memories that he experiences the combat experiences and the emotional numbing. I would also use cognitive behavioral therapy to ensure that the irrational and negative thoughts are dismantled. The treatment would also replace his negative thoughts with more positive ones. Also, I would include his family in the treatment to ensure he gets maximum support from them.

 

References

Curwen, B., Palmer, S., & Ruddell, P. (2018). Brief cognitive behavior therapy. Sage.

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Discussion 2 – Week 3 Discussion 2 My Discussion

Discussion 2: Characteristics of Midlife Crises

 

 

Midlife crises have different characteristics in different genders. There are different characteristics of a midlife crisis, including depression which involves a change in eating habits, fatigue, change in sleeping habits, hopelessness, anxiety, feelings of pessimism, restlessness, irritability, feeling of worthlessness and helplessness, and the person also losses interest in activities that the person once enjoyed such as hobbies. While the feelings may be the same in men and women, men experience less anger and irritability. Women also experience more tearfulness. Women experience a midlife crisis when they are almost near their menopause. This means they are affected by the issues of menopause as well as the midlife crisis. Therefore it is more intense and affects their midlife experiences compared to men. There are also different experiences in women due to social factors than men; women experience more intense feelings than men because even socially, their activity has decreased.

As a social worker, one can help a p[erson in a midlife crisis by recognizing the signs of changes in the person. The social worker can recognize changes in a person such as irritability, signs of hopeless and anxiety. When the change is recognized, the social worker can devise a strategy to help (Chang 2018).  In addition, helping people with mental health and poverty eradication can be good. This is because, at this age, people are most likely to undergo stress and anxiety; if poverty is involved, then the person may undergo emotional turmoil. When a person is undergoing a midlife crisis, it is essential to empower them as social workers to ensure they have a different view on life and overcome the changes they experience. People undergoing midlife crises may be put down by judgment; therefore, creating awareness so that people do not judge others can create a good environment that allows people to overcome the midlife crisis.

 

References

Chang, H. K. (2018). Influencing factors on mid-life crisis. Korean Journal of Adult Nursing, 30(1), 98-105.

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Critical Thinking: Case Study – Develop a Motivation Plan

First, read “Case Study 6-6 “Develop a Motivation Plan” on page 121 in Organizational Behavior in Health Care.

 

Within the principles of the content theories of Maslow, Herzberg, and Alderfer:

1.            Explain why Susan is behaving the way she has been over the past three months.

2.            Offer three specific recommendations to address the problem of Susan’s job performance.

Your well-written paper should meet the following requirements:

●             Four-to-five pages in length, not including the cover sheet and reference page.

●             Formatted according to APA 7th edition and Saudi Electronic University writing standards.

●             Provide support for your statements with in-text citations from a minimum of four scholarly articles. Two of these sources may be from the class readings, textbook, or lectures, but the other two must be external. The Saudi Digital Library is a good place to find these references.

Recommended:

Batayneh, M., Ali, S., & Nashwan, A. (2019). The burnout among multinational nurses in Saudi Arabia. Open Journal of Nursing, 9, 603-619.

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Case study

The case studies below provide you with an opportunity to critically analyze events that are taking place in real-life businesses. This helps to develop your critical thinking and research skills as you research each of these scenarios.

For this assignment, review four case studies—two from Chapter 1 and two from Chapter 2. Then, in an essay, evaluate the studies and respond to each of the questions below, using both critical thinking and theory as well as supporting documentation.

In Chapter 1, read the case study “UPS Competes Globally with Information Technology” on pages 23–24 of the textbook. Then, answer the questions below.

How does UPS use information systems technology to achieve its strategic goals of being more efficient and customer oriented?

What would happen if the automated package tracking system was not available?

Discuss how globalization has “flattened” the world.

In Chapter 2, read the case study “Data Changes How NFL Teams Play the Game and How Fans See It” on pages 52–53 of the textbook. The, address the prompts below.

Analyze how information systems are transforming business.

What types of systems does the NFL and its teams use?

What is the role that these systems play in improving both operations and decision-making?

In Chapter 3, read the case study “Smart Products—Coming Your Way” on pages 102–103 of the textbook. Then, address the prompts below.

Explain the importance of collaboration and information sharing for businesses.

Explain what a “smart” product is, and use an example.

How do smart products increase rivalry among firms?

In Chapter 4, read the case study “Are Cars Becoming Big Brother on Wheels?” on pages 121–122 of the textbook. Then, address the prompts below.

Describe how new technology trends may cause ethical dilemmas.

Discuss at least one ethical, social, and political issue raised by embedded cyber connections in cars.

Discuss how big data analytics are being applied to all of the data generated by motor vehicles.

In formatting your case analysis, do not use the question-and-answer format; instead, use an essay format with subheadings. Your APA-formatted case study must be at least four pages in length (not counting the title and reference pages).

You are required to use a minimum of three peer-reviewed, academic sources that are no more than 5 years old (one may be your textbook). All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; all paraphrased material must have accompanying in-text citations.

Ch 1

UPS Competes Globally with Information Technology

United Parcel Service (UPS) started out in 1907 in a closet-sized basement office. Jim Casey and Claude Ryan—two teenagers from Seattle with two bicycles and one phone—promised the “best service and lowest rates.” UPS has used this formula successfully for more than a century to become the world’s largest ground and air package-delivery company. It’s a global enterprise with more than 454,000 employees, over 112,000 vehicles, and the world’s ninth-largest airline.

Today, UPS delivers 5.1 billion packages and documents in more than 220 countries and territories. The firm has been able to maintain leadership in small-package delivery services despite stiff competition from FedEx and the U.S. Postal Service by investing heavily in advanced information technology. UPS spends more than $1 billion each year to maintain a high level of customer service while keeping costs low and streamlining its overall operations.

It all starts with the scannable bar-coded label attached to a package, which contains detailed information about the sender, the destination, and when the package should arrive. Customers can download and print their own labels using special software provided by UPS or by accessing the UPS website. Before the package is even picked up, information from the “smart” label is transmitted to one of UPS’s computer centers in Mahwah, New Jersey, or Alpharetta, Georgia, and sent to the distribution center nearest its final destination.

Dispatchers at this center download the label data and use special routing software called ORION to create the most efficient delivery route for each driver that considers traffic, weather conditions, and the location of each stop. Each UPS driver makes an average of 100 stops per day. In a network with 55,000 routes in the United States alone, shaving even one mile off each driver’s daily route translates into big savings: $50 million per year. These savings are critical as UPS tries to boost earnings growth as more of its business shifts to less-profitable e-commerce deliveries. UPS drivers who used to drop off several heavy packages a day at one retailer now make many stops scattered across residential neighborhoods, delivering one lightweight package per household. The shift requires more fuel and more time, increasing the cost to deliver each package.

The first thing a UPS driver picks up each day is a handheld computer called a Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD), which can access a wireless cell phone network. As soon as the driver logs on, his or her day’s route is downloaded onto the handheld. The DIAD also automatically captures customers’ signatures along with pickup and delivery information. Package tracking information is then transmitted to UPS’s computer network for storage and processing. From there, the information can be accessed worldwide to provide proof of delivery to customers or to respond to customer queries. It usually takes less than 60 seconds from the time a driver presses “complete” on the DIAD for the new information to be available on the web.

Through its automated package tracking system, UPS can monitor and even reroute packages throughout the delivery process. At various points along the route from sender to receiver, bar code devices scan shipping information on the package label and feed data about the progress of the package into the central computer. Customer service representatives are able to check the status of any package from desktop computers linked to the central computers and respond immediately to inquiries from customers. UPS customers can also access this information from the company’s website using their own computers or mobile phones. UPS now has mobile apps and a mobile website for iPhone, BlackBerry, and Android smartphone users.

Anyone with a package to ship can access the UPS website to track packages, check delivery routes, calculate shipping rates, determine time in transit, print labels, and schedule a pickup. The data collected at the UPS website are transmitted to the UPS central computer and then back to the customer after processing. UPS also provides tools that enable customers, such Cisco Systems, to embed UPS functions, such as tracking and cost calculations, into their own websites so that they can track shipments without visiting the UPS site.

UPS is now leveraging its decades of expertise managing its own global delivery network to manage logistics and supply chain activities for other companies. It created a UPS Supply Chain Solutions division that provides a complete bundle of standardized services to subscribing companies at a fraction of what it would cost to build their own systems and infrastructure. These services include supply chain design and management, freight forwarding, customs brokerage, mail services, multimodal transportation, and financial services in addition to logistics services. CandleScience, based in Durham, North Carolina, is an industry leader in the candle and soap supply industry, providing raw materials such as waxes, wicks, and fragrances to candle makers around the world. UPS worked with CandleScience to accurately model shipping rates for the company and its customers and to add a freight shipping option capability to its website. UPS also helped CandleScience identify the optimal location for a new warehouse for its West Coast customers. The new West Coast warehouse in Sparks, Nevada lets the company reach some of its largest customers faster, more efficiently and less expensively.

UPS provides both financial and shipping advice and services to Flags of Valor, a small business based in Ashton, Virginia, which sells hundreds of hand-crafted wooden flags each day to online customers. Using UPS Quantum View Manage® technology, the staff can view and monitor outbound packages and immediately respond to customer questions about order status. UPS Capital®, the financial service division of UPS, showed the company how to protect its cash flow and assets by moving to a comprehensive insurance plan.

Sources: Paul Ziobro, “UPS’s $20 Billion Problem: Operations Stuck in the 20th Century,” Wall Street Journal, June 15, 2018; www.ups.com, accessed February 7, 2018; “Igniting Growth with CandleScience,” UPS Compass, May 2017; and “Stars and Stripes Flying High,” UPS Compass, December 2017.

 

 

Ch 2

Interactive Session Organizations

Data Changes How NFL Teams Play the Game and How Fans See It

All professional sports teams today collect detailed data on player and team performance, fan behavior, and sales, and increasingly use these data to drive decisions about every aspect of the business—marketing, ticketing, player evaluation, and TV and digital media deals. This includes the National Football League (NFL), which is increasingly turning to data to improve how its players and teams perform and how fans experience the game.

Since 2014 the NFL has been capturing player movement data on the field by putting nickel-sized radio frequency identification (RFID) tags beneath players’ shoulder pads to track every move they make. The information the sensors gather is used by NFL teams to improve their training and strategy, by commentators on live game broadcasts, and by fans attending games or using the NFL app on the Xbox One.

The NFL’s player tracking system is based on the Zebra Sports Solution developed by Zebra Technologies, a Chicago-based firm specializing in tracking technology that includes the bar codes on groceries and other consumer goods and radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. The Zebra Sports Solution system records players’ speed, direction, location on the field, how far they ran on a play, and how long they were sprinting, jogging, or walking. The system can also determine what formation a team was in and how players’ speed or acceleration affects their on-field performance. Want to know how hard Eli Manning is throwing passes or the force with which a ball arrives in the hands of receiver Odell Beckham? The system knows how to do all that.

NFL players have RFID chips in their left and right shoulder pads that transmit data to 20 radio receivers strategically located in the lower and upper levels of stadiums to collect data about how each player moves, using metrics such as velocity, speed in miles per hour, and distance traveled. From there the data are transmitted to an on-site server computer, where Zebra’s software matches an RFID tag to the correct player or official. The football also has a sensor transmitting location data. The data are generated in real-time as the game is being played. Each sensor transmits its location about 25 times per player.

It takes just two seconds for data to be received by the motion sensors, analyzed, and pushed out to remote cloud computers run by Amazon Web Services for the NFL. From the NFL cloud computers, the data are shared with fans, broadcasters, and NFL teams. The data captured by the NFL are displayed to fans using the NFL Next Gen Stats website, NFL social media channels, and the NFL app on Windows 10 and the Xbox One. The data are also transmitted to the giant display screens in the arena to show fans during the game.

The data have multiple uses. NFL teams use them to evaluate player and team performance and to analyze tactics, such as whether it might be better to press forward or to punt in a particular fourth-down situation. Data transmitted to broadcasters, to stadium screens, to Next Gen Stats, and to the Next Gen Stats feature of Microsoft’s Xbox One NFL app help create a deeper fan experience that gets fans more involved in the game.

Some of the statistics fans can now see on Next Gen Stats include Fastest Ball Carriers, Longest Tackles, Longest Plays, Passing Leaders, Rushing Leaders, and Receiving Leaders. Next Gen Stats also features charts for individual players and videos that explain the differences and similarities between players, teams, and games based on the data.

While the data may be entertaining for fans, they could prove strategic for the teams. Data markers for each play are recorded, including type of offense, type of defense, whether there was a huddle, all movement during the play, and the yard line where the ball was stopped. The NFL runs custom-created analytics to deliver visualizations of the data to each team within 24 hours of the game, via a custom-built web portal. The system displays charts and graphs as well as tabular data to let teams have more insight. Each NFL team may also hire its own data analyst to wring even more value from the data. The data are giving NFL fans, teams, coaches, and players a deeper look into the game they love.

Sources: Jason Hiner, “How the NFL and Amazon Unleashed ‘Next Gen Stats’ to Grok Football Games,” TechRepublic, February 2, 2018; Teena Maddox, “Super Bowl 52: How the NFL and US Bank Stadium Are Ready to Make Digital History,” TechRepublic, February 1, 2018; Brian McDonough, “How the NFL’s Data Operation Tracks Every Move on the Field,” Information Management, December 7, 2016; www.zebra.com, accessed March 15, 2017; and Mark J. Burns, “Zebra Technologies, NFL Revamp Partnership For Third Season,” SportTechie, September 6, 2016.

Ch 3

Interactive Session Technology

Smart Products—Coming Your Way

If you don’t use a smart product yet, you soon will. Your shoes, your clothing, your watch, your water bottle, and even your toothbrush are being redesigned to incorporate sensors and metering devices connected to the Internet so that their performance can be monitored and analyzed. Your home will increasingly use smart devices such as smart thermostats, smart electrical meters, smart security systems, and smart lighting systems.

Under Armour, noted for performance clothing, spent $710 million to scoop up mobile apps such as MyFitnessPal, Map My Fitness, and Endomondo, which enable it to tap into the world’s largest digital health and fitness community, with more than 225 million registered users. According to company data, Under Armour’s connected fitness users have logged more than 500 million workouts and taken 7 trillion steps since the company started tracking the data. Analyzing these data has provided insights such as 3.1 miles being the average distance for a run and that May is the most active month for exercise.

Under Armour is trying to enhance its performance clothing with digital technology. The company now sells connected running shoes. The shoes come in several models and feature a built-in wireless Bluetooth sensor that tracks cadence, distance, pace, stride length, and steps, even if the runner does not bring a smartphone along. The data are stored on the shoe until they can sync wirelessly to Under Armour’s Map My Run app for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Users can also connect to the app on third-party devices such as AppleWatch, Garmin, or Fitbit, to incorporate metrics such as heart rate that can’t be tracked by the shoes. The shoe’s analytics will let users know when it’s time to purchase new shoes and sensor batteries have to be charged.

Under Armour has recently added a digital coaching feature for the connected running shoes and Map My Run app. Runners will be able to monitor their gait and stride length mile after mile, and see how that impacts their pace and cadence. By analyzing these data, along with data about the runner’s gender, age, weight, and height, Map My Run will be able to provide a runner with tips on how to improve his or her pace and splits, by taking shorter or longer strides while running, for instance.

Under Armour can generate revenue from in-app ads, including ads from other companies, and purchases from app users referred to its products. The platform delivers unprecedented depth of information and insight about fitness- and health-oriented consumers, creating numerous opportunities for Under Armour and other brands to engage with potential and existing customers. For example, Map My Fitness collects data about a user’s name, e-mail address, birth date, location, performance, and profile if the user connects to the app using social media. Under Armour does not sell identifiable personal data about individuals to third parties but does provide advertisers with aggregate information about app users. Under Armour is hoping that daily use of its smartphone apps will build stronger ties to customers that will lead to stronger sales of its own apparel, footwear, and other athletic gear. The company is clearly benefiting from bringing the power of software to its physical products.

Smart products are also finding their way into people’s homes. Between 2017 and 2022, Con Edison, which supplies electrical power and natural gas to the New York City metropolitan area, is installing 3.6 million new electric smart meters and 1.2 million new gas smart meters in all its customers’ homes and businesses. A smart meter is a digital meter that communicates between a residence or business and Con Edison through a secure wireless communication network. The smart meter records and transmits each customer’s energy consumption regularly throughout the day. The smart meter transmits data to a system of access points on utility poles, which send the usage information to Con Edison.

The smart meter will let the company know when a customer loses service, resulting in faster repairs, and will also provide real-time billing information to customers based on energy usage, enabling them to pinpoint areas for energy savings. They will also permit more definitive voltage regulation, enhancing electric distribution-system efficiency, reducing costs, and providing savings that ultimately get reflected in lower customer bills. Data from the new meters will let Con Ed set prices based on customers’ time and level of use. Rates might jump during summer hours when hot weather makes people turn on their air conditioners, or drop overnight when power use is lowest.

Con Ed customers can use an online My Account dashboard with tools to track their daily energy consumption down to 15-minute increments. They can analyze their usage by comparing hour to hour, weekday versus weekend, or day versus evening use to see where they can save, and they can receive high bill alerts if they are using more energy than usual. Con Ed also offers a mobile app for iPhone and Android smartphone users so that they can track their detailed energy usage while they are on the go.

Sources: Jen Booton, “Under Armour’s New HOVR Smart Shoe Will Automatically Track Your Run,” SportTechie, January 26, 2018; Edgar Alvarez, “Under Armour’s HOVR smart running shoes are more than just a gimmick,” Engadget, February 9, 2018; www.coned.com, accessed March 28, 2018; Edward C. Baig, “Under Armour and HTC Team Up on Connected Fitness,” USA Today, January 5, 2016; www.underarmour.com, accessed April 20, 2018; and John Kell, “Why Under Armour Is Making a Costly Bet on Connected Fitness,” Fortune, April 21, 2016.

Case Study Questions

1. Describe the role of information technology in the products described in this case. How is it adding value to these products? How is it transforming these products?
2. How are these smart products changing operations and decision making for these organizations? How are they changing the behavior of their users?
3. Are there any ethical issues raised by these smart products, such as their impact on consumer privacy? Explain your answer

 

 

 

Ch 4

Cars today have become sophisticated listening posts on wheels. They can track phone calls and texts, record what radio stations you listen to, monitor the speed at which you drive and your braking actions, and even tell when you are breaking the speed limit, often without your knowledge.

Tens of millions of drivers in the United States are currently being monitored, with that number rising every time a new vehicle is sold or leased. There are 78 million cars on the road with an embedded cyber connection that can be used for monitoring drivers. According to research firm Gartner Inc., 98 percent of new cars sold in the United States and Europe will be connected by 2021.

Since 2014, every new car in the United States comes with an event data recorder (EDR), which records and stores over a dozen data points, including vehicle speed, seat belt use, and braking activation. EDR data are available to any auto maker as well as to insurance companies, which use these stored EDR data to help establish responsibility for an accident or to detect fraud.

EDRs are mandated and regulated by the U.S. government, but other data-gathering software in today’s cars is not. Such software underlies numerous sensors, diagnostic systems, in-dash navigation systems, and built-in cellular connections, as well as driver-assistance systems to help drivers park, stay in their lane, avoid rear-ending another car, and steer for short time periods. All of this software keeps track of what drivers are doing. Newer cars may record driver eye movements, the weight of people in the front seats, and whether the driver’s hands are on the wheel. Smartphones, whether connected to the car or not, can also track your activities, including any texting while driving. Auto makers are able to mine all this information, as are app developers and companies such as Google or Spotify.

With the exception of medical information, the United States has few regulations governing what data companies can gather and how they can use the data. Companies generally are not required to conceal names or other personal details. In most cases the driver must consent to allowing his or her personal information to be tracked or monitored. Many people unwittingly provide this consent when they check off a box on one of the lengthy service agreement forms required to register a car’s in-dash system or navigation app.

Collecting such large amounts of personal data generated by drivers has raised concerns about whether automakers and others are doing enough to protect people’s privacy. Drivers may welcome the use of information to relay helpful diagnostic information or updates on nearby traffic jams. But they do not necessarily endorse other uses, and automakers have refrained from commenting on future data collection plans and policies.

Automakers argue that the data are valuable for improving vehicle performance and vehicle safety and soon will be able to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities. Amassing detailed data about human driving behavior is also essential for the development of self-driving cars. But privacy experts believe the practice is dangerous. With enough data about driver behavior, individual profiles as unique as fingerprints could be developed. Trips to businesses reveal buying habits and relationships that could be valuable to corporations, government agencies, or law enforcement. For example, frequent visits to a liquor store or mental health clinic could reveal information about someone’s drinking habits or health problems. People obviously would not want such confidential data shared with others.

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