Category: Writing

PART 1–
Write a 100-250 word post to introduce yourself by telling us what cartoon character you most admire, and why. Feel free to upload a photo of your favorite cartoon character in your post.
PART 2—
Read these Words of Wisdom for online students
Write a 100-250 word reflection that answers the following six questions:
Which one of the Words of Wisdom statements did you relate to most?
Why did you relate to the Words of Wisdom statement you selected?
How will this course help your current or future career goals?
What are you most excited about learning in this class?
What concerns or anxieties might you be feeling this semester?
What obstacles or challenges might you be experiencing this semester that could impact your participation or academic performance in this class?

Identify a theory that uses a concept of interest to you that can be applied in research and nursing practice (clinical, education, or administration). This is a scholarly paper in which headings, full sentences, paragraphs, correct grammar and punctuation, and correct citation of sources are required.
The theory you select will be the same theory used for each assignment in the future modules.
Theory Description:
Provide a brief description of the theory using an original source or as close to the original source as possible. Include a brief discussion of the origins of the theory and the scope/level (grand, middle range, practice/situation specific) of the theory. Identify the major concepts of the theory and discuss how they are related (propositions). Pick two of the concepts, including your concept of interest, and state theoretical definitions of these concepts.
Style & Format:
The paper will be written using APA standards. The paper will include a title page (using specified format), 2-3 pages of text, and a reference list. It will be double-spaced, written in 12-point Times New Roman font, and have 1-inch margins. Scholarly and orderly presentation of ideas (precision, clarity, format, headings, grammar, spelling, & punctuation) with appropriate citation of sources in text and reference list is required. Up to 0.5 points will be deducted for each type of grammar, spelling, punctuation, or format error.
Submission Instructions:
Only primary sources and empirical research articles are to be used for this assignment. Secondary sources such as, textbooks, literature reviews, systematic reviews, dissertations and concept analyses are NOT to be used.
Submit as a Word document.Brief discussion of theory origins, scope/level of theory and how the theory relates to the concept of interest
Identification of major theory concepts (minimum of 3 concepts)
Brief discussion of relationships among main concepts (propositions) within the theory
Theoretical definitions of two concepts. One definition must be that of the concept of interest.
Use of original sources (or as close as possible) to describe theory
APA Style & Format (10 points total) • Style includes: Professional and orderly presentation of ideas (precision and clarity). Grammar, spelling and punctuation. Minimal use of direct quotes (1-2 max.) • Format includes: Proper use of title page (using specified format), spacing, font, margins, and headings. Appropriate citation of sources in text and reference list. • Up to 0.5 points will be deducted for each type of grammar, spelling, punctuation, or format error. • Up to two points will be deducted for poor headings /insufficient headings/formatting

Week 2 Discussion: Schedule Analysis Response Post to two students 100 words and Summary Post 100 words: Due Responses to 2 or more students. Responses provide additional insights and/or raise questions that require reflection. Shares multiple points of view. References are listed in the required style. Tone is professional.
Each week we have 168 hours to live our lives and achieve our goals, it’s up to us to make each moment count. In preparation for this week’s discussion, please review the article below for tips on time management and keeping a daily log.
Step One
Review the time logging tools that are available online. Create a time logging tool for your own use using Microsoft Excel or Word. Minimally, the time log should include Date, Start time, End time, Activity, Planned/Unplanned, and Comments.
Step Two
For at least two days, keep a time log of your activities (use the template available at the site above). It can be quite eye-opening to see exactly where our time is spent.
Reflect upon your findings and share your thoughts with your classmates in this discussion forum.
Starting with the prompts below:
What do I like most about my schedule?
What do I want to do more of with my time?
What do I want to do less of with my time?
What actions can I take in relation to how I spend my time?
Was this a worthwhile activity? Would you use it in the future?
In your responses to your classmates, comment on how your analysis is similar or different. Share any tips that could help your classmates improve their time management skills.
At the end of the week, post a brief summary of your observations and learnings from this discussion.student reposnes
student respones
Krystal Johns posted Aug 23, 2024 1:31 PM
I love spending time with my daughter in her swimming class. It is remarkable to see how far she has come. I also enjoy walking my dog. It is great to unwind from the day and be able to take in the fresh air and I am able to reflect on what I was capable to do and what I need to accomplish. Sometimes I think about nothing and have that time to just walk off all the stresses life brings. I would like to do more reading in my free time. I always say I am going to do it but I put it off for another time. I would like to do less watching television and surfing the internet. I don’t accomplish anything and when I was watching the video on procrastination I think that this is my way of procrastinating on what I don’t want to do instead I should be focused on tasks that will be more beneficial to the goals I have set for myself. I can take more initiative in scheduling my time and activities that are prearranged if I make a list of things that will help me stay on track and break it down into categories that will help me focus more on what needs to be my priority for the week. One effective method is to use the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. Additionally, setting clear, small, and achievable goals for each day can help maintain momentum. Lastly, eliminating distractions by creating a dedicated workspace can significantly improve focus and productivity. How much time do I want to spend on this task? Did I give myself enough time or do I need to make changes to my schedule? This is a worthwhile activity. I will use it in the future so I am able to look back and see what I did and where I can make changes so my time management can be more productive.
Taisha Simon posted Aug 23, 2024 12:47 PM
Hello all,
The last few days have been unusual in that there were some occurrences that transpired that usually do not. For instance, I was sick for a few days due to food poisoning which resulted in cancelling engagements. With that being said I will share based on my normal schedule.
I work a hybrid remote schedule, I am home for four weeks and then go into the office for one week. My work schedule was recently changed to 7:30am-3:30pm which I enjoy. This schedule allows me to run errands after work, attend any appointments and still be back home at a decent hour to complete some school work. On the weekends, I make it a point to dedicate time to complete school work as well. This usually occurs early in the morning and the remainder or my day is delegated to household errands and responsibilities.
Time management is important to me because I have learned that I get anxious when there a pending tasks that I have not completed. I have also learned not to be too rigid with my schedule as things do occur, such an unexpected food poisoning which will have an impact on what I can or cannot successfully do. In the past such interruptions to my plans would have been upsetting to me but I feel I have improved in that area and will be sure to continue improving.
Nadia Moorehead posted Aug 23, 2024 12:31 PM
What I Like Most: I enjoy the time I am spending learning from my classes at UVI. Although it is extremely challenging, I enjoy learning new things in order to better myself. These classes help me feel fulfilled.
What I Want to do More Of: I want to allocate more time to my creative pursuits and social activities with friends and family. They not only provide joy but help keep me motivated and balanced. I also want to continue reading more. I would love to start reading the classics.
What I Want to Do Less Of: I’d like to spend time reducing my social media use and spend less time browsing. I can spend hours at night scrolling on social media before bed.
Actions to Take: I plan to set clear boundaries for social media and schedule dedicated blocks of time for my hobbies. I will also try to be more intentional about how I allocate my time during the day. For example, setting an hour alarm at 8:00pm to read a new book every week.
Worthwhile Activity: I actually did not expect this activity to worth my while. It was actually very enlightening. I plan on using this method on a weekly to a monthly basis to adjust my time management strategies. I may need to update it based on my current goals.
Kimberly Gereau posted Aug 23, 2024 11:46 AM
What do I like most about my schedule?
I appreciate that I break down my tasks throughout the day to avoid feeling overwhelmed. In the morning after my meditation I dedicate time to my chapter readings for different classes. I always review the assignments beforehand which heightens my awareness while reading and allows me to make meaningful notes. During my lunch break at work I aim to complete at least one assignment. Although I don’t always finish it I manage to get a significant portion done. When I get home despite being tired I dedicate at least an hour to school tasks. In total, I spend approximately 3 to 3.5 hours daily on school-related activities.
What do I want to do more of with my time?
I want to focus my time on planning my long-term goals. I’m usually pretty organized with my short-term goals.
What do I want to do less of with my time?
I want to spend less time on unproductive activities. After reviewing my screen time analytics I’ve identified areas where I need to cut back. While I’m not heavily into social media I’ve noticed that I can get distracted by scrolling. This is something I’m actively working on changing.
What actions can I take in relation to how I spend my time?
I can be more purposeful and intentional with my time by planning ahead and staying organized to maximize my time. Avoid distractions and find ways to stay motivated. Every year I create a vision board which gives me a daily visual reminder of my aspirations, goals and dreams.
Was this a worthwhile activity? Would you use it in the future?
I’m planning to apply for the UVI Creative Leadership for Innovation and Change PhD program next Fall and find enjoyment in researching topics related to my dissertation idea and planning for it. This activity keeps me motivated and focused on my long-term goals.
Timothy Rodney posted Aug 22, 2024 1:11 PM
The topic for this week is schedule analysis and starts with us creating a time schedule to record our daily activities over a 2 day period. The logging of my daily activities required little to no effort not because I’m not active but because my daily routine is strictly driven by my work schedule. Working 12hr days for 19 days with only 2 days off does not leave much options or time to live. So what do I like about my schedule is the consistency of my time being already predetermined. The preparation needed to maintain this schedule includes the commute, food choices, and the demands of family life so everyday is quite similar.
I would like to have more time off just to wind down and to spend time with my family doing normal things. There are significant compromises that are needed to sustain this schedule until late November. I would try to focus more on anything not related to work but the options are limited and this schedule should be completed in due time. Is it an easy schedule when you add school, family, and just day to day needs. The short and long answer is no but this assignment is to highlight your time and what can you improve going forward with your time. So I’m stuck but appreciate the effort of trying but I’ll have to take a hard pass on time management this semester .
Cassandra King posted Aug 22, 2024 12:19 PM
We are given 168 hours each week to shape our lives and work toward our goals. As a mother of three girls—two teenagers and one tween—a dedicated public high school teacher, a part-time mathematics instructor at our local university (UVI), and a full-time graduate student aspiring to become an administrator, I often feel stretched thin, constantly grappling with the notion that there’s never enough time in the day. Despite these demands, I know that it is my responsibility to manage my workload effectively while still making time for what matters most—quality moments with my family.
I closely monitored my daily activities over two days recently, and the results were both eye-opening and thought-provoking. Analyzing how I allocate my time offered valuable insights into my routines and priorities. For instance, I discovered that I spend an average of 4.5 hours daily on my phone. What was particularly alarming was that 2 of those hours were spent on Instagram, despite having set a self-imposed daily limit of 1.5 hours. I realized I’ve been guilty of ignoring the reminders meant to curb my social media usage.
Reflecting on this exercise, I recognized that what I value most in my current schedule is the quality time I spend with my family. I also take great satisfaction in balancing three graduate classes, a full-time job, and family time while still carving out some personal “me-time.” However, I see room for improvement, particularly in creating a more consistent exercise routine. Additionally, I plan to be more disciplined in adhering to the 1.5-hour daily limit I’ve set for Instagram.
This exercise was valuable because it revealed that I have more time in my schedule than I initially thought. I need to make a few adjustments, such as incorporating a time management tool like Google Calendar to block out specific times for tasks. Ultimately, this reflection isn’t just about managing time—it’s about intentionally aligning my life with my goals and values.
Michael Bell posted
Week 2 Discussion: Schedule Analysis
By completing the time log for two days of my life, I could glimpse how I spend my time for the first time. What I have particularly liked about my working schedule is that I have had the opportunity to set and follow a schedule tuned adequately to what I do – work and study as much as I am aware that I have achieved to get particular segmenting of my time to my professional duties at the Department of Finance and my academic activities. This structure not only helps me stay more focused and the work more structured, but it also inspires me to always be on track to ensure I always accomplish my goals.
However, as I spent time with the time log, I discovered some general areas I prefer to spend more time on. For example, I sometimes wish to spend more time doing things I genuinely love and could consider personal development: reading, writing poems and stories, and working on my media projects, as per Schippers et al. (2020). All these activities are not only self-fulfilling but also part of my long-term career plans. At the same time, I realized that I spend more time than I would like on unproductive activities and distractions; these include partaking in social media and other unproductive interferences. Recognizing this, I see a clear path for improvement that could enable me to engage in tasks related to my goals and objectives in life and career.

Tatianna Khadoo posted
What I like most about my schedule during my schedule analysis week was realizing how much time I squander and how much time I must complete tasks rather than scrambling and finishing them at the last minute. It taught me that time lost can be made up for, but it also taught me that I wasted a lot of time doing nothing during my high school and undergraduate years in college. When there were so many more things I could have done to make sure I was ready for old age. I’d like to devote more time to volunteering in the community and being more involved and active in my sorority. This will not only help me better myself, but it will also help me recognize who I really am. It will enable me to assist more people in need and the public with community service. Instead of stressing out, I would like to be able to finish tasks with an open mind and not worry about whether they were completed correctly. My goal is to be more efficient with my time so that I can complete crucial tasks. avoid concentrating on unimportant stuff. I want to cut down on the amount of time I spend putting things off. Additionally, practice saying no, especially when it comes to time management. I could, for example, practice saying no to people, especially when I’m busy and have deadlines to meet. prioritizing myself, taking care of my problems, and then helping others. Instead of putting myself last and them first. Set aside time for myself once a week so that I may be sufficiently organized and productive. Yes, this was a terrific activity, and it was interesting to understand that I need to change certain poor behaviors to make my life much easier. If things get too hectic and I lose control of everything, I will use it soon.

Discussion 2.1 Strategic Planning Horizons Response Posts two fellow students ; 100 words each ) and Summary Post: 100 words
Discussion 2.1Strategic Planning Horizons
Strategic planning horizons have changed from 5 years, to 3 years, and even to 1 year. Chapter 3, What is Strategic Project Management? advocates for a continuous process that includes quarterly reviews of projects, programs, and portfolios where changes to the strategic plan can be made at any quarterly review.
Assuming the enterprise/organization/institution where you currently work or worked in the past implements a continuous process, what obstacles would be expected?
What would you recommend they do to mitigate the obstacles?
In your response post, comment on whether you agree or disagree with your classmates. Support your comments with relevant references.
Clas mates response
Dakarai Potter posted Aug 23, 2024 4:39 PM
Implementing a continuous strategic planning process with quarterly reviews in an assisted living facility can bring several benefits, such as increased agility, responsiveness to changes in the environment, and better alignment with the organization’s goals. However, there are also potential obstacles to this approach, especially in a setting like an assisted living facility, where the focus is on providing consistent, high-quality care to residents.
Expected Obstacles
1. Resource Constraints:
– Time: Continuous strategic planning and quarterly reviews can be time-consuming, requiring frequent meetings and updates from various departments.
– Staffing: The facility’s staff might already be stretched thin with day-to-day operations, making it difficult to allocate time and energy for continuous strategic planning.
2. Resistance to Change:
– Cultural Resistance: Staff members, particularly those who have been with the facility for a long time, may resist frequent changes to the strategic plan, preferring the stability of longer-term plans.
– Fear of Uncertainty: Continuous changes can create a sense of uncertainty and anxiety among staff, especially if they perceive changes as threats to their job security or daily routines.
3. Alignment Challenges:
– Consistency of Care: Frequent changes in strategy may lead to inconsistencies in care practices, which can affect the quality of care provided to residents.
5. Communication Issues:
– Information Flow: Ensuring that all staff members are informed about strategic changes and understand how these changes affect their roles can be challenging.
– Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging all stakeholders, including residents, their families, and the board of directors, in the continuous strategic planning process can be difficult.
Recommendations to Mitigate Obstacles
1. Resource Management:
– Dedicated Strategic Team: Establish a small, dedicated strategic planning team that can focus on managing the continuous planning process. This team should be responsible for coordinating reviews, gathering data, and communicating changes.
2. Change Management:
– Training and Education: Provide regular training sessions for staff to help them understand the importance of continuous strategic planning and how it benefits the facility and residents. Emphasize the positive outcomes of adaptability and responsiveness.
3. Alignment and Consistency:
– Clear Communication Channels: Establish clear and consistent communication channels to ensure that all departments are aware of strategic changes and understand their roles in implementing these changes.
– Maintain Core Values: While the strategic plan may change quarterly, ensure that the facility’s core values, particularly those related to resident care, remain stable and are always prioritized.
4. Data Management and Analysis:
– Hire or Train Data Analysts: If possible, hire or train staff members to specialize in data analysis, ensuring that the facility has the expertise needed to interpret data correctly and make strategic decisions based on solid evidence.
5. Communication and Stakeholder Engagement:
– Stakeholder Meetings: Hold quarterly stakeholder meetings to gather feedback and ensure that everyone is on the same page. Transparency and open communication can build trust and reduce resistance to change.
Jennisha Joseph posted Aug 23, 2024 4:33 PM
Strategic Project Management looks at how a project may benefit the organization’s strategic plan and efficiency (Alonso, 2023). A strategic planning horizon provides a clear sense of direction and a framework for decision-making. Part of managing a project efficiently includes conducting a continuous process by timely reviewing projects, programs and portfolios so that changes can be made if necessary. Change is continuous in the business environment and plans for the project should be made to accommodate that. Strategic Planning allows the organization time to anticipate and prepare for future challenges while taking advantage of new opportunities.
Obstacles from Implementing a Continuous Process
Lack of resources- make a clear budget with the exact cost of the project. It can be very challenging when there is no budget, manpower or resources to get the project done properly. There should be an estimated budget in case something goes wrong in the plan.
Lack of Executive Support- There is a lot of risk-taking in business and management is more likely to go with projects involving minimal risk.
Lack of Cooperation from Top Management and employees- every member of staff needs to know what needs to be done and in what time frame and be on board to get the project done.
Insufficient Tools and Technology- Make provisions in the plan for technological issues
Recommendations
Explain how the plan, program or project will be beneficial to the company.
If possible, rather than forcing work onto the employees involve them in the process and give them a sense of ownership and inclusion.
Ensure that all staff are fully trained and aware of what their responsibilities are.
Ensure that the project timelines align with the objectives (Alonso, 2023).
Alonso, T. (2023, June 23). Strategic Project Management: The key to strategy execution. Strategy Software for Planning & Execution. https://www.cascade.app/blog/strategic-project-management
Nadia Moorehead posted Aug 23, 2024 4:06 PM
When implementing a continuous strategic project management process, one might be met with several challenges. These challenges can include resistance to change, increased administrative burden and data overload.
Resistance to Change: Managing resistance to change can be a difficult process. Employees may feel threatened or uncertain by constant adjustments. Management should communicate with their employees, conduct risk assessments and develop persistent resistance response activities. This will allow employees to understand why the changes are occurring and how they may be affected. It is vital to foster a culture that embraces change as a positive force, rather than a negative one.
Increased Administrative Burden: Implementing regularly quarterly reviews can increase the administrative workload for the staff, which can divert attention from the actual project work. To avoid this, management can streamline this process by using standardized templates and software that will analyze data and information shared. They should also ensure that everyone is familiar with the tools used for the analysis.
Data Overload: The first step in overcoming data overload is for management to be able to prioritize data based on its importance. They can use data analytic tools to filter and focus on the most critical data needed for project execution.
Herd, P., Hoynes, H., Michener, J., & Moynihan, D. (2023). Introduction: Administrative Burden as a Mechanism of Inequality in Policy Implementation. RSF: The Russell Sage Foundation Journal of the Social Sciences, 9(4), 1–30. https://doi.org/10.7758/RSF.2023.9.4.01
Adeyemi, O. (2024, July 13). Overcoming Data Overload: Strategies for Effective Data Management. Medium; Medium. https://medium.com/@olamilekandavida/overcoming-data-overload-strategies-for-effective-data-management-38f1df7fdaf6
Kogan, V. (2024, August 12). Council Post: Three Tips For Managing Resistance To Change. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbescoachescouncil/2020/06/15/three-tips-for-managing-resistance-to-change/#:~:text=If%20you%20don%27t%20take%20the%20time%20to%20do
Britteny Petersen posted Aug 23, 2024 3:39 PM
In a continuous strategic planning process, where quarterly reviews allow for updates to projects, programs, and portfolios, several obstacles could emerge. First, organizational resistance to change may pose a significant challenge. Employees and management accustomed to longer planning horizons might resist frequent adjustments, seeing them as disruptive or unnecessary. This can create a culture of inflexibility that undermines the process. To mitigate this, clear communication is essential. Management should emphasize the benefits of a continuous planning process, such as increased agility and responsiveness to market changes, and provide training to ensure that everyone understands the new expectations.
Second, resource allocation issues could arise. Quarterly reviews may reveal that certain projects need more resources than initially planned, leading to resource strain or reallocation. To address this, the organization should adopt a flexible budgeting approach, where resources can be dynamically allocated based on project performance and strategic alignment. Additionally, having contingency plans in place for resource shortages can prevent disruptions.
Third, decision fatigue could become an issue. Frequent reviews and adjustments may overwhelm decision-makers, leading to rushed or suboptimal decisions. To combat this, the organization should establish clear criteria for decision-making and streamline processes to reduce the cognitive load on leadership.
By addressing these obstacles with communication, flexibility, and streamlined processes, the organization can successfully implement a continuous strategic planning process.
Reference:
Wysocki, Robert K. Effective Project Management. Available from: University of the Virgin Islands, (8th Edition). Wiley Professional Development (P&T), 2019.
Krystal Johns posted Aug 23, 2024 1:51 PM
The organization where I currently work in the past has implemented a continuous process that has impacted the strategic plan. In the beginning of the year the faculty has a welcome back conference where the Commissioner holds sessions that include training and evaluations for there staff. This welcome back conference is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire academic year. It provides an opportunity for faculty to align with the strategic goals, receive essential training, and participate in evaluations that help identify areas for improvement. Additionally, it fosters a sense of community and collaboration among the staff. The strategic planning has been changed every two years by the coordinator to accommodate their annual conference. The annual conference plays a crucial role in enhancing staff performance by providing targeted training and evaluations. This annual event has significantly boosted faculty morale and motivation, as it provides clear direction and support for their professional development. Faculty members feel valued and invested in, knowing that their growth is a priority for the organization. Consequently, this leads to increased engagement and enthusiasm throughout the academic year These sessions help to identify areas for improvement and set clear goals for the year ahead. As a result, staff are better equipped and more motivated to achieve the organization’s strategic objectives. In the alternate years—when you decide not to complete the full process—you need to continue to think strategically and update your strategic plan accordingly (Ebener & Smith, 2015). Whatever form strategic leadership takes, it needs to be ongoing and continuous because external change is ongoing and continuous (Ebener & Smith, 2015). The obstacles that can be expected are the lack of understanding the goal of the training or objective. It is important to engage with staff and employees so they feel a part of the process. By including team members’ feedback in your plan definition, you’ll have valuable input to better understand your operations, challenges, opportunities and potential outcomes (Marco, 2022). One effective method is to create structured feedback sessions where team members can share their thoughts within set parameters. Another approach is to use surveys and suggestion boxes to gather input anonymously, which can then be reviewed and integrated by leadership. Additionally, appointing team liaisons can ensure that staff feel heard while maintaining clear lines of authority and decision-making. For instance, during last year’s conference, we held a structured feedback session where team members from different departments were grouped together to discuss their experiences and suggestions. This approach not only enhances employee engagement but also ensures that strategic decisions are well-informed and aligned with the collective insights of the team. Over time, this leads to a more agile and resilient organization, capable of adapting to changing environments and achieving sustained success.
References
Marco, N. (2022, Aug 2). The Four Biggest Obstacles to Strategic Planning. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/…
DAN R. EBENER, A.; FREDERICK L. SMITH, A. Strategic Planning: An Interactive Process for Leaders. New York: Paulist Press, 2015. Disponível em: https://research-ebsco-com.uvi.idm.oclc.org/linkprocessor/plink?id=d6a738ec-39ef-3ff1-857d-909283f62bec. Acesso em: 22 ago. 2024.
Tatianna Khadoo posted Aug 22, 2024 8:05 AM
Resistance to Change:
Employees and stakeholders might resist frequent changes due to the perceived instability and constant shifts in priorities. To address resistance, management should emphasize clear communication about the benefits of the continuous process and involve stakeholders early in the change management process. Training sessions and workshops can help ease the transition.
Increased Administrative Burden:
Frequent reviews and updates may raise the administrative workload, which could result in inefficiencies. To manage this, adopting effective project management tools and software can streamline processes by automating reports and updates. Additionally, setting up clear guidelines and templates for quarterly reviews can help minimize administrative overhead.
Short-Term Focus:
Regular adjustments could shift attention toward immediate gains at the expense of long-term strategic objectives. Balance quarterly reviews with long-term strategic planning. Integrate metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) that reflect long-term goals to ensure continued alignment with overarching strategies.
Overemphasis on Tactical Issues:
Concentrating on quarterly adjustments might result in an excessive focus on tactical details, potentially overshadowing the broader strategic vision. Distinguish between strategic and tactical discussions. Create a structure where strategic objectives are reviewed annually or semi-annually, while quarterly reviews focus on tactical progress and necessary adjustments.
Coordination Challenges
Regular reviews may lead to coordination difficulties among various projects, programs, and portfolios, particularly if changes impact multiple areas. Establish a centralized project management office (PMO) to manage and synchronize changes across the organization. Additionally, conduct regular cross-functional meetings to improve coordination and communication.

Data Overload
Continuous updates can lead to an overwhelming amount of data and reporting requirements. Utilize data analytics tools to consolidate and visualize essential information, emphasizing actionable insights over raw data. Focus on the most relevant metrics to support effective decision-making.
References:
PMI (Project Management Institute). (2021). Pulse of the Profession. Retrieved from PMI website.
Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. Wiley.
Kotter, J. P. (2012). Leading Change. Harvard Business Review Press.
MY post
In modern strategic planning, long-term horizons assumed to be five years have been gradually shrinking to three years or even a single year. This shift has more to do with the ever-changing business environments in today’s complex world of commerce, where any business has to be ready for anything. Chapter 3 of Wysocki’s Effective Project Management is dedicated to the never-ending strategic planning indication and annual checks of projects, programs, and portfolios.
Having a continuous strategic planning process is a challenging thing to do. This means that there may well be people within the organization who will resist change, a significant issue that must be addressed. Employees and managers could be used for long-term planning, and the frequent changes in the plans could be chaotic or distracting. Such resistance may be more pronounced in large organizations that have elaborate cultures and current working practices.
To counter these challenges, organizations must work on cultivating and maintaining a culture to facilitate flexibility in improvement. This can be done by offering appropriate instructions and teaching employees the importance of the ongoing planning process and contributing to the organization’s success. Leadership should also wish to maintain a clear and compelling structure of strategic planning and clear rules and procedures in case of decisions made during the quarterly check. Also, because of the integration of other stakeholders in the review process, there will be a sharing of the decision-making load to avoid exhaustion. At the same time, the varying views involved in the strategy amendments will be considered.
Reference
Wysocki, R. K. (2019). Effective project management: traditional, agile, extreme, Hybrid, Eigth Edition. John Wiley & Sons.
Zhane Proctor posted Aug 20, 2024 4:57 PM
Implementing a continuous strategic planning process can be challenging due to several obstacles. Resistance to change, information overload, lack of alignment, and resource constraints are common hurdles organizations face. To overcome these challenges, effective strategies must be implemented.
A key strategy is to foster open communication and engagement with employees. By involving them in the process, organizations can address concerns, build trust, and create a sense of ownership. Additionally, utilizing data visualization and analytics tools can help decision-makers make informed choices by transforming complex data into actionable insights.
Clear roles and responsibilities are essential for a successful continuous planning process. By defining the roles of individuals involved in strategic planning, project management, and operational activities, organizations can ensure alignment and accountability.
To enhance flexibility and adaptability, adopting agile project management approaches can be beneficial. These methods emphasize iterative development, continuous improvement, and responsiveness to change, which are crucial in a dynamic environment.
By addressing these obstacles and implementing effective mitigation strategies, organizations can successfully adopt a continuous strategic planning process and reap the benefits of greater agility, responsiveness, and alignment with long-term goals.

This week, choose one of the articles below that interests you. You will read and summarize it with a personal viewpoint. Then you will practice looking up sources that support the research in the piece you read. Share what you learned and cite the sources properly.
(Hint, we do this assignment first because you will be expected to have facts with references this from here on in! I promise, it will help in all classes!)
Key Takeaways:
*You must use in-text citations AND references at the end on each assignment.
*This improves your academic skills and also helps to prevent misinformation.
*This will help your grades in ALL classes.
ReadingsLinks to an external site.
Article 1: Customs officers in Arizona seize largest amount of fentanyl pills in agency’s history
Article 2: EPA proposes some ‘forever chemicals’ be considered hazardous
Article 3: US breast cancer death rate drops 43% in three decades, but racial disparities remain, American Cancer Society report finds
Assignment Steps
1. Choose one of the articles above that interests you.
2. Read it and write a 3-5 sentence summary for paragraph one. Do not write more than 5 sentences.
3. For paragraph two, use the internet to search the topic of the article and find two more facts to add to the summary. The additional information, MUST come from another source. You MUST have TWO more facts and at least one new source.
4. Use what you learned in the citation exercises to cite these two facts in your summary. You must use proper format with BOTH in-text citations and the references at the end.
5.For paragraph three add a personal viewpoint. A personal viewpoint is an opinion, not someone else’s words. Suggestions are “I wonder..” “I believe..” type statements.
6. For the bibliography, cite the article you read (pretty easy since I have it right there!) and then you must have at least one and not more than two more sources.
7.Check your work! If you do not have these, you will not get full credit.
A summary paragraph of of 3-5 sentences maximum.
A middle paragraph of 3-3 sentences with 2 Facts that supports the article you read with in-text citations,
3rd paragraph. Reflection of 3-5 sentences maximum
In-text citations!!!! Not sure what these are? Review.
References at the end
Example: Summary of an article on education and health outcomes.
I read an article about how education impacts your health. In the article they describe many diseases that you are more likely to suffer from if you are not educated (1). Some reasons that were cited were education can improve health are that education improves access and ability to afford health services and it provides skills for better decision making for behavioral choices resulting in less risk of infectious disease (2). In further research I found that education even means you may live longer, “A seminal 2005 study focused on increases in compulsory education between 1915 and 1939 across US states and found that a year of schooling reduced mortality by 3.6%” (3). The same study by Zajacova and Lawrence found higher disease rates among adults with lower educational attainment. Although healthcare treatment is an important part of health, if policy better addressed education, some health problems of disadvantaged minority citizens could be prevented just through better education. I am concerned that schools are now limiting what can be discussed in schools on topics that relate to healthcare, infectious disease and risk taking behavior such as sexual activity and exposure to drugs.
1. Long Overdue. Lawmakers Declare Racism a Public Health Emergency. ‘Long overdue’: lawmakers declare racism a public health emergency | Health | The Guardian2. Wolfgang Lutz, Endale Kebede. Education and Health: Redrawing the Preston Curve. Population and Development Review, 2018; DOI: 10.1111/padr.12141Links to an external site.3.Zajacova A, Lawrence EM. The Relationship Between Education and Health: Reducing Disparities Through a Contextual Approach. Annu Rev Public Health.

1. Identify the largest racial and ethnic groups in your state. Use information from the census bureau or the internet to describe the sizes of the major racial and ethnic groups in your state. Would you say your state is very diverse? What else can you tell us about the racial and ethnic diversity of your state.
2. Based on the definitions of the key concepts “race”, “ethnicity” and “ethnic groups” in the lesson/textbook chapter explain why in your view, African Americans are considered a a) racial and b) ethnic group?
3. Hypothetical Question. In 1972, Miss Salalai was crowned Miss North Carolina during the state’s annual beauty pageant. However, many residents protested her selection because they felt she did not reflect the appropriate “physical image” of American people. Miss Salalai was a Cherokee Indian who had moved to Raleigh from her reservation and was integrating into mainstream society. By contrast there were no such widespread protests when Annabel Stewart a Scottish immigrant who spoke with a heavy Scottish accent won the beauty pageant a year earlier. What does this controversy around a beauty pageant tell you that “race is socially constructed?”
4. The Asian American population, currently one of the fastest growing minority group in the USA, is projected to rise to 35.8 million by 2060 tripling their 2000 population. What in your view would be the impact of these changes in the number of Asian immigrants on ethnic stratification in American society?

Note: To provide a comprehensive and informative document, I’ll need more specific information. Please clarify the following:
Subject: What is the main topic or theme of the document?
Target Audience: Who are the intended readers (e.g., elementary, high school, university students)?
Purpose: What is the goal of the document (e.g., to teach, inform, persuade)?
Style: What tone or style should be used (e.g., formal, informal, academic)?
Structure: How should the document be organized (e.g., chapters, sections, subsections)?
Content: What specific information or ideas should be included?
Once I have this information, I can tailor the document to your exact needs.
Here’s a possible structure for a 20,000-word document:
Introduction
Briefly introduce the topic and its significance.
State the main purpose of the document.
Provide an overview of the key points to be covered.
Body
Divide the content into logical sections or chapters.
Use headings and subheadings to organize the information.
Provide detailed explanations and examples.
Support your arguments with evidence and research.
Use visuals (e.g., diagrams, charts, images) to enhance understanding.
Conclusion
Summarize the main points discussed in the document.
Restate the purpose of the document.
Offer final thoughts or recommendations.
Additional Tips:
Keep it concise: Avoid unnecessary jargon or overly complex language.
Use clear and concise language: Write in a way that is easy to understand.
Proofread carefully: Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
Provide citations: If you use external sources, cite them properly.
Please provide more details so I can create a document that meets
your specific requirements.

Janette Orquia
Aug 21 9:41pmLast reply Aug 22 11:10amManage Discussion by Janette OrquiaReply from Janette Orquia
Hello Dr. Widman and Class,
In the field of educational assessment, assigning grades using a curve or relative scale has long been a difficult topic. In my opinion, grading on a curve has serious disadvantages that can reduce its value as a legitimate and unbiased gauge of student achievement, even though it can be advantageous in some situations (Grant, 2016). Curving also has the potential to maintain inequity. The grading scale may have a significantly adverse effect on students from differing educational backgrounds, intensifying already-existing gaps rather than resolving them (Grant, 2016).
Curved grading those in favor argue that this approach handles differences in test complexity and guarantees a particular distribution of grades. A curve can assist equalize scores in classes when exams are very tough or where student performance varies widely (Richeson, 2011). This helps avoid the situation where an exceptionally difficult test results in unusually low grades. Additionally, by comparing students’ achievements to those of their friends, it may develop a sense of competition that inspires them to work harder. But there are significant drawbacks to this strategy (Richeson, 2011). Rather than promoting cooperative learning, grading on a curve may create an environment in which students are opposed to one another in an excessively competing sense.
A curve-based method might not fairly represent each student’s level of topic understanding. Even students who comprehend the content well may receive lower grades than they deserve if the class performs inadequately overall (Richeson, 2011). In contrast, students who struggle could get a higher grade than their work deserves if the class does extremely well. In conclusion, there are drawbacks to grading on a curve even if it can help normalize scores and handle test difficulty (Grant, 2016). It is frequently more efficient to use definite grading scales that compare performance to precise, predetermined standards in order to assure fair and accurate assessment. This strategy encourages a more cooperative learning environment and provides more equitable evaluation help.
Reference
Grant, A. (2016). Why we should stop grading students on a curve. The New York Times.
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/0

Lilit Galstyan
Aug 21 10:39pmLast reply Aug 22 11:26amManage Discussion by Lilit GalstyanReply from Lilit Galstyan
Evaluation provides the opportunity to identify the weaknesses and strengths, so effective steps can be taken to reform the educational system by promoting positive aspects and eliminating failures (Nasrollah, Rafii and Ghezeljeh, 2019). I would use assessments based on simulations, peer assessments, and self assessments to ensure that clinical performance evaluations are accurate and fair. Evaluators who perform assessments must be trained in observing and mapping more objectively based on observations, as well as in the use of the instrument assessing the skills (Høegh-Larsen et al., 2023). Through peer assessments, students are able to evaluate each other’s work from different perspectives, which lessens the influence of any evaluator bias. This method encourages a collaborative learning environment, which aligns with my belief in recognizing different learning styles and fostering advancement. Self-assessments force students to reflect on their abilities and competences, which improves self-awareness and accountability while making sure that prejudices and personal viewpoints are put aside when students critically evaluate their learning. With the use of simulation-based assessments, students can demonstrate their psychomotor and affective skills in a controlled environment while completing tasks that allow for an objective evaluation based on established standards. These approaches align with my educational philosophy, which promotes the creation of an atmosphere that is supportive of individual growth and learning, by highlighting the importance of respecting cultural and religious diversity and ensuring that assessments are unbiased and consistent.
References
Høegh-Larsen, A.M. et al. (2023) ‘Nursing stude

15 points
Fill in the blank word-for-wordto complete the sentence. When you see “…” it means that some sentences have been skipped over. Please highlight, bold, or underline your answers so that you are certain to receive credit for all of your work! Don’t forget to place your name at the top of the page.
American Cities & Technology, Introduction
The series is intended first and foremost as a contribution to the social history of technology; the _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________. The main focus, though not an exclusive one, is on the social relations of technology as exhibited in the physical form and fabric of towns and cities. The main aims of the series are twofold. The first is to investigate _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________. The second aim is to __________ _________________________________________________________.
The wide chronological and geographical compass of the series serves to bring out the general features of urban form which differentiate particular civilizations and economic orders. Attention to these differences shows how __________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ and shaped.
In this series, __________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________. But however broad this interpretation, there are still distinctions to be drawn between, say, technology (the means of building) and the built environment (the product of building technologies); or between technology (the means of achieving human ends) and society (perhaps the most ambiguous term of all, but in one sense the summation of human ends in the form of a set of religious, moral, and political values).
If “technology” is a slippery term, so too is “city”, the other historical variable of this series. It should be emphasized at the outset that no particular store is set by the distinction between cities and towns, a distinction often made in a culturally specific way – for example, the particular British criterion that cities have cathedrals. In this series, _____________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________and specialization.
American Cities & Technology, Chapter 1: The Growth of Cities
The technology of urbanization in the United States has had much in common with that of Europe, and ___________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________
_________________. That this is the case is perhaps hardly surprising, given the size and geographical diversity of the USA, with its abundant resources. The timing of city-building in relation both to the emerging nationhood and to developments in technology was also very different from Europe.
In 1790 the first Census of Population was taken, shortly after George Washington had become the first president of the United States of America under its new Constitution. This census showed that about 5 percent of the new nation’s inhabitants lived in _____________________ _________________________________________. These colonial urban centers occupied a relatively narrow strip along the eastern seaboard. By the end of the nineteenth century, during which the area of the USA tripled and its population exploded from 5.3 million to 75.9 million, the percentage of urban dwellers had increased to about 40 percent.
The trend towards concentration into urban areas continued in the twentieth century, with50 percent- the figure generally taken as a benchmark for defining a nation as “urban”- being reached by the time of the 1920census. Fifty years later, the 1970 census revealed that- following a spurt of urbanization after the Second World War, particularly in the West- 73.5 percent of the US population lived in cities. Despite the enduring image of “wide open spaces” and rural, frontier spirit, the USA had become a very urbannation. The enduring image is, in fact, understandable when we look at the geographical pattern of more recent urbanization in the western USA. The “wide open spaces” of the West have indeed persisted, despite the fact that the region, accounting for some 25 percent of the nation’s population in 1990, became the most heavily urbanized part of the country, with 86.4 percent of its population living in centers greater than 2,500 people, although these were very dispersed. Furthermore, _____________ ___________________________________________________________________.
This remarkable growth was fueled_________________________________________________ _________________________________________________, and afterwards by rural migration. In 1930, roughly 30 percent of the population still lived on farms, whereas in 1980 the figure was 3 percent. Another distinctive feature of________________________________________ _________________________________________________. It is estimated that most US cities lost more than half of the individuals from their populations every decade, but they continued to achieve rapid rates of growth none the less because the loss was compensated so rapidly by incomers. Nineteenth century populations, then, were not very stable.
Urbanization in the USA was also characterized by a phenomenal amount of city-building on “green-field” sites… Ninety-eight percent of the cities with populations greater than 2,500 in 1900 had not even existed in 1800; of the US cities with populations greater than 100,000 in 1970, only 15 percent had existed in 1800. Clearly, __________________________________ ______. In terms of size, however, the main thrust of more recent urbanization has been the rise of medium to large cities, rather than huge new political entities.
Beginning in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century, a _______________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________ within the urbansystem… The first period was characterized by the use of hand tools, water, and gradually steam power – but, where there was industrialization, only slight mechanization. In terms of transport, Werner stresses the____________________________________________________________________________ _____. The typicallarge cities of this period were regional economic centers. The period of 1870-1920 was characterized by the application of mature science and engineering to all aspects of manufacturing industry and especially the introduction of electricity. The railway network reached full maturity, while electric traction, the automobile and the lorry began to affect development within cities. It was during this period, deploying the technologies of what is classically called the “Second Industrial Revolution” when speaking of Europe, that the USA emerged as a major international industrial nation. According to Warner, the characteristic city type of this period – especially across the north of the country, stretching to the Midwest – was the metropolitan city with a specialized central business district and associated high urbanized, large industrialregions. The final period saw the ____________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ _________ being the new transport technologies. The_______________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________.
Although they inevitably drew on European precedents, US cities built in the nineteenth century were different in character from those of Europe. The major difference- except for the case of New York City- was that__________________________________. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________. This was due in part to the absence of city walls- an important contrast with many European cities- and partly to the policy of annexation, which took in large tracts of farmland within city boundaries to allow for future population expansion.
Another distinctive feature was thewidespread use of simple city designs on a grid plan; this made both the handling of land transactions and city expansion relatively straightforward. Importantly, ___________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ than in European cities. This ledby the end of the century to______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Underlying these specific characteristics was an important conjunction of conditions. First,__ _____________________________________________________________________________. That availability- which could only be dreamed of in much of Europe with its formal land-based aristocracies- altered the status of land from having social meaning to having a more strictly economic function as a commodity for exchange between individuals. Secondly, those individuals were relatively unconstrained because of the prevailing principle thatbeyond establishing the most elementary frameworks for public order, the government was not to control or manage the processes of settlement and development but leave all to private initiative. An ideology of individual social mobility underlay much of the city-building of the nineteenth century at a crucial formative period in the urban development of the USA. Another major difference between the USA and Europe was that, unlike European countries,________ _________________________________________________________. This was a legacy of the colonial era, when a number of cities of more or less equal stature focused independently on Europe, rather than on each other.
First, ________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________ that formed the skeleton and nerves of the urban body. Second, ________________________________________________________________ _______ that had been constructed over the years to serve first the commercial and then also the manufacturing activities of the city. Third, this manufacturing itself was only able to exist in an industrial form through the use of transport to bring in raw materials and take out finished goods, and through the application of steam and other forms of mechanical power. Fourth, _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________.
To take a specific instance: as in Europe, the ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________